France 1820 Duke of Berry Henri V Birth by Gayrard

The Return to The Monarchy- Gayrard’s medal commemorating the “miracle” birth of Henri of Artois- Charles Ferdinand, Duke of Berry’s son and only male child to preserve his line and claim to the French Throne- seven months after his death. Diameter 38 mm Weight 34.08 gr. Plain smooth edge, no mint mark, original contemporaneous strike

In the field, the Duchess reclining on a chaise longue in the Empire style, raises both his arms the child naked in a glory right in the background, memorial bust on pedestal adjoining the Duke Berry, in the exergue, in two lines, as a base: OUR HEARTS AND OUR ARM / BE HIM. Medalist signature “E. Gatteaux ” below.

obv: DIEU NOUS LA DONNE (God Given) NOS COEURS ET NOS BRAS SONTM A LUI (Our hearts and our arms are with him)

rev: In the field, the Archangel Michael slaying the devil right signed F. GAYRARD 29 SEPT. 1820

NVF