French Third Republic Civic Award Medal – Sciences, Lettres, Arts by H. Dubois (Awarded to Mme. Dufour Raymonde, Orly, June 1962)

Overview

A remarkable, heavy-format French bronze award medal measuring 69 mm in diameter and weighing a substantial 139 grams. This piece features a deeply compelling historical narrative, bearing a personalized presentation engraving on the reverse to a civic or educational laureate from the town of Orly, France, dated June 1962.

Artist & Numismatic Attribution

The medal is masterfully signed on the obverse by H. Dubois (referencing the renowned French sculptor and medalist Ernest Henri Dubois, 1863–1930, or his artistic lineage within the esteemed French medallic tradition). Works bearing this signature are celebrated for their high-relief neo-classical sculpting, exquisite facial expressions, and fine attention to allegorical detail.

Iconography & Symbolism

• The Obverse: Features a classical representation of Minerva (or Athena), the goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts, styled in traditional helmet and armor to signify intellectual achievement and civic duty.

• The Reverse (Engraved Custom Presentation): Unlike standard issue pieces, this medal is uniquely historicized. The reverse field is framed by the official municipal inscription:

  « Sciences - Lettres - Arts — La Ville d'Orly Reconnaissante »

  Elegantly hand-engraved in the center to the recipient:

  « À Mme. Dufour Raymonde — Juin 1962 — Dévouement à l'Enfance »

This particular citation ("Dévouement à l'Enfance" / Devotion to Childhood) indicates it was awarded by the municipality of Orly to Mme. Dufour Raymonde in recognition of her exceptional contributions, service, or career dedicated to children, education, or youth welfare within the community.

Specifications

• Country of Origin: France

• City / Municipality: Orly (Val-de-Marne, greater Paris region)

• Artist / Signature: H. Dubois (Ernest Henri Dubois)

• Theme: Education, Sciences, Letters, Arts, and Civic Dedication

• Composition: Solid Bronze

• Size / Weight: 69 mm diameter / 139 grams

• Award Date: June 1962

• Recipient: Mme. Dufour Raymonde

Collector Appeal

Medals featuring deeply personal, local governmental provenance combined with named civil service citations (such as child welfare and education) are heavily sought after by collectors of French exonumia, social history, and personalized art medals. Its impressive 69mm module gives it a commanding cabinet presence.