Ancient, Celtic, British and World Coins. Historical and Art Medals

France, Communications Aériennes, Paris, 1871, a silver award medal by C.-J. M. Degeorge for the Ministère de la Guerre, female figure seated on the side of a cannon, a carrier-pigeon flying into her arms, dirigible in air behind, rev. pigeon basket, un-named, 62mm (cf. CGMP p.122; BDM I, 544; BM Acq. 1983-7, p.19, 48; Malpas 94; cf. DNW 50, 1188). Good very fine, rare in silver (£60-80)

By September 1870 Prussian troops had surrounded Paris and cut off all communications. A series of successful balloon flights carried mail to the outside world, while carrier pigeons were used to bring back microfilmed letters which were then enlarged and distributed by the post office in Paris. The siege marked the first regular airmail service and the first use of microfilmed mail