France Marcel Renard Bronze Compagnie Générale Transatlantique Centenary 1855 – 1955 Bronze Medal

Obv:: CIE – LE / TRANSATLANTIQUE // 1855 / 1955. Woman standing and holding a pennant, against a world map background. Signed: MARCEL RENARD.

Rev: FOR ONE HUNDRED / YEARS / THE COMPAGNIE / GÉNÉRALE TRANSATLANTIQUE. / AT THE SERVICE OF THE FRENCH / ECONOMY AND INTERNATIONAL / TRADE / MAINTAINS / ON THE OCEANS, THE PRESENCE / AND – THE PRESTIGE / OF / FRANCE. Legend in 11 lines around various ships and an airplane. Compass rose to the left.

135gms, 70mm

GEF

The Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT, often nicknamed Transat, or French Line by English-speaking customers) was a French shipping company. Founded in 1855 by brothers Émile and Isaac Péreire as the Compagnie Générale Maritime, it was tasked by the French government with transporting mail to North America and adopted its definitive name in 1861.

The ocean liners of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique were often symbolic works of art of their time, designed to represent France’s image abroad. Similarly, the quality of their service, particularly the meals and wines, cultivated a loyal clientele of wealthy individuals, notably rich Americans during Prohibition. Years after its demise, its heritage continues to attract collectors and is showcased through exhibitions and organizations like French Lines, which preserves the company’s archives and artifacts.

Historical
FOURTH REPUBLIC
(16/01/1947-8/01/1959)
Characterized by a parliamentary system coupled with significant ministerial instability, the Fourth Republic is unique in that it was never officially proclaimed. Indeed, upon arriving in Paris on August 25, 1944, De Gaulle refused to do so, arguing that the Republic had never ceased to exist. Considering Marshal Pétain’s French State to be merely a de facto state of affairs, he believed that the Republic had survived within Free France, and its birth date should therefore be June 18, 1940. However, his departure on January 20, 1946, and the referendum of October 13, 1946, approving a new Constitution, officially marked the beginning of this republic. It had two presidents: Vincent Auriol (January 16, 1947 – December 23, 1953) and René Coty (December 23, 1953 – January 8, 1959). The open crisis caused by the Algerian army’s revolt led to its fall in 1958, which was confirmed by the adoption of a new constitution on September 28, 1958. However, it did not definitively cease to exist until January 8, 1959, with the installation of General de Gaulle as president of the Fifth Republic.