This medallion or medal was one of a series designed by Rene Lalique (1860-1945) and distributed throughout France in order to aid military victims of tuberculosis. A national fund raising day was held on February 4, 1917 when they were sold nationally to raise money. Lalique is known as one of the greatest European Designers of glassware and jewelry creations . During World War I he was to old to fight, so he designed the medals to help raise funds for the French Soldiers, their wives, and children. His involvement also generated large contributions by the wealthy.

This World War I brass medal depicts an Angel with her wings spread and her arms reaching out to shelter the nine soldiers depicted below her. At the bottom it reads "Pour Les Blesses De La Tuberculose” It is made of thin pressed brass, and is approximately 1 1/4 inches in diameter. You can see how thin it is in the photograph with the quarter on a side by side comparison of the edges. The reverse is plain and hollow pressed. I took the pictures outside in the sun because it shows up better with the light reflection. It is not quite as shiny when not in the sun and it has that old brass patina to it. I have not tried to polish it. There a some dark tarnish spots and a few tiny lines that look like scratches, but I can't feel them (you don't see them without the magnification). There are no dings or bends in the medallion. The condition is quite clear in the enlarged pictures so you can see for yourself.

This would be a great item to add to your collection of World War I memorabilia. Combined with the Art Nouveau designs of Lalique, this only will increase the value of the piece. It is a rare medallion by Lalique and a wonderful little piece of history with beautiful details.

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