LIBERTE French Line, Bronze Medal, coin, original box, transportation, maritime

  
This incredible piece is collectable on so many levels. It was designed by Jean Vernon and features on one side, Venus rising from the debths of the ocean (or perhaps Lady Liberty with broken chains on her wrists, presumably having broken from the bondage of the Nazi tyranny), and a striking representation of the pride of the French fleet the "Liberte" on the other. It is housed in its original custom box printed in gold for presentation to shareholders and VIP's.

The rim is stamped "Bronze" with the triangular stamp of Athus Bertrand. Approximate dimensions: Weight: 1.5ozs - 44gms Diameter: 1.97ins - 5cms. The maker Athus-Bertrand was founded in Paris in 1803. Artists who have designed for the firm include Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi who was the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. He was born in Paris on 01 April 1897, attended the Ecole des artes decoratifs before being conscripted in 1916 as an artillery officer.

Later he attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1919 studying sculpture with Coutan & medal engraving with Patey. His first exhibition was at the Salon of the Societe des Artistes Francais in 1922, receiving an honourable mention, then was awarded a silver medal in 1924 a gold in 1936 and the Salons medal of honour in 1957.

She started out as the "Europa", the pride of the German Norddeutscher Lloyd Line in the 1930's. She was siezed by American troops in May of 1945 as they advanced into Bremen. After World War II French Line Compagnie Gnrale Transatlantique was awarded the Europa as a war prize to replace the destroyed SS Normandie, which had caught fire and capsized at her moorings while interned by the United States in New York City. Europa was refitted at Le Havre and rechristened the "Liberte'".

Sarah Vaughn, Shirley Graham Du Bois and many others sailed to France and Europe aboard the SS Liberte. The SS Liberte' also had Hollywood connections as it was featured in the Jane Russell film "The French Line" and appeared in the final scenes of the 1954 classic film Sabrina starring Audrey Hepburn & Humphrey Bogart. No matter if you collect transportation, WWI, WWII, coins, medals, ships, French artists, maritime, old Hollywood, or many others areas that this medallion touches. I know that you will be be pleased and will cherish this magnificent piece of art and history. The item "LIBERTE French Line, Bronze Medal, coin, original box, transportation, maritime" is in sale since Friday, July 17, 2020.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Transportation\Boats & Ships\Cruise Ships & Ocean Liners\Other Cruise Ship Collectibles". The seller is "timberferrington" and is located in Santa Ynez, California. This item can be shipped to United States.