The Colonial Medal

• Time Period: Pre-WW1
• Institution: 23 July 1893
• Country: France

The Colonial Medal (or Médaille Coloniale in French) is a decoration created by the loi de finances of 26 July 1893 (article 75) to reward military services in the colonies. Its implementing decree dated 6 March 1894 lists the military operations carried out by France in its colonies or protectorates: Algeria – Cochin – Gold Coast – Marquesas Islands – Nossi- Bé – New Caledonia – Senegal and Sudan – Society Islands – Tunisia.

The colonial medal is closely linked to the existence of the French colonial empire.

The scope of the decree was therefore a broad retroactive effect, since the first operations considered for the award of the Medal colonial dating back to 1827, at the very beginning of the conquest of Algeria. A decree of 6 June 1962 changed the term “colonial” to “overseas”.

The Colonial Medal Design

The medal measures 30mm in diameter and is struck in silver.

On the obverse there is the helmeted effigy of the Republic with “République française” engraved above. On the reverse, a world map occupies the central field, resting on an anchor across a trophy of arms.

The ribbon is white and blue with vertical stripes. Its length can vary this from 35 to 37 mm.

The design of the medal is attributed to Capitaine de frégate Saulnier Pinellas, because the original award was for sailors. Its production had the distinction of being performed by the administration of the Paris Mint and a private company that was responsible for manufacturing the socket of the pendant ring leaves and clasps crimping indentations. The sets were to be delivered complete to the ministries of the Navy and War. The ribbon, the skewer assembly and assembly were also part of the supply.