Joan of Arc Large Pendant Medal In Silver Plated Bronze, 500th Anniversary of Siege of Orleans, Circa 1929, 4 Cm Diameter, Presentation Box

Joan of Arc Large Pendant Medal In Silver Plated Bronze, 500th Anniversary of Siege of Orleans, Circa 1929, 4 Cm Diameter, Presentation Box

This is a beautiful large medal struck for the 500th Anniversary of the lifting of the siege of Orleans by Joan of Arc which changed the course of the 100 years war.

Saint Joan is depicted on the front in the armour she wore at the siege with the fleur de lys of France to her left.

On the reverse Joan is seen on her horse. The horse given to Joan of Arc by the Duke of Lorraine was not a battle-horse, a mighty steed, but a smaller charger – sleek, agile, quick as lightning, and beautiful. The diminutive Maid would not have even been able to handle one of the great war horses! But she immediately took to her dark-coated charger and made him her own. Or did he make her his own? It is hard to say. But from that day, they became united in the same mission to save France. She named her horse 'Tonic'.

Her family did not own a horse, and it is not clear whether Joan had ever ridden one before she received this gift from the Duke, but when she hopped on her charger, a hidden natural gift of horsemanship came to life in her. God knew what she needed for her mission. She needed to be mobile.

This beautiful medal is made from silvered bronze so at first glance it appears to be solid silver and is in excellent condition. It is also large as it measures 4 centimetres in diameter. It weighs 25.8 grams.