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France, 1936. France. Death of Jean Mermoz, a silver medal by E.-P. Blin, bust right, reverse Archangel flying above the waves, 60mm (CGMP p.44; cf. Baudey/Bricher 1992, 185; cf. BDW 4, 188; 5, 177). Very fine, a rare medal in silver (£70-90)

Issued in 1937. Jean Mermoz (1901-36), aviator, disappeared while flying his hydroplane, La Croix du Sud, in the South Atlantic, 6 December 1936. The archangel device is taken from Mermoz’ surname