Historical Objects / Medals

Collection of Tyler Yates

Kronstadt–Toulon naval visits

Engraver:
Louis-Alexandre Bottée
Year:
1893
Country:
France
Diameter:
49 mm
Obverse:
Russia seated, her shield at side, clasps hands in welcome with France, in helmet standing before her, left hand resting on a shild with 'R F' (Republique Française). Ships and lighthouse in distance.
CRONSTADT . 1891
TOULON-PARIS . 1893
Reverse:
A palm branch and trumpet entwined with a ribbon inscribed 'FRANCE RUSSIE', resting upon a tablet hung with festoons, a star rayed above. The name of the recipient is engraved on a rectangle in the middle.
FRANCE RUSSIE
A Mr. SAVOURET PUBLICISTE
LB

The Kronstadt–Toulon naval visits were reciprocal diplomatic visits carried out by the French and Russian navies in the lead up to the Franco-Russian Alliance (1894–1917). The visits served as cover to exchange letters between the countries' foreign offices making key defensive agreements. The French Navy visited Kronstadt on the Gulf of Finland on 23 July 1891 and the Russian Navy visited Toulon on 13 October 1893.

This medal has been certified by the NGC: 3326597-009 AU 53.