This French Connubium Christianum (marriage medal) has no inscription so it could be worn as is or inscribed with the names or initials of a couple. It was made into a brooch, which has the crab hallmark for 800 silver. I believe the medal itself to be silver but am unable to see around the edge of the entire medal because of the way it has been placed into the brooch setting. The trombone clasp dates this piece to circa late 1800s.
The entire piece (medal enclosed in brooch setting) measures 1.5".
The reverse of the medal depicts a scene by French engraver Gayrard, and the front has a wreath of foliage with the space for initials or names.
CONDITION: The front of the medal and its edges as well as the brooch setting have wear in the way of scratching. There is also a dark mark, perhaps a deeper scratch than the numerous surface ones on the face of the medal, on the front of the medal. Please let me know if you would like more photos as I will be happy to oblige. I've not polished this piece but have left this up to the discretion of the new owner. The clasp opens and closes firmly with a pull and a push, respectively.
Thank you to http://www.bijouxregionaux.fr/en/contenu.php?idcontenu=6 for this information on the marriage medal:
The treizain was replaced towards the start of the nineteenth century by a marriage medal, generally of silver, sometimes of gold, the reverse or edge of which was generally engraved with the names of the couple and the date of the ceremony. The marriage medal was blessed along with the wedding bands during the ceremony by the priest.
Later, the marriage medal was sometimes mounted as a brooch or pendant and worn by the bride.
Today, in some towns, the mayor offers the couple a bronze marriage medal after the civil ceremony, (which by law has to precede the church ceremony).
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