Vive la Vache!

It’s not every day that we feature bovine medals of excellence so please forgive us if we milk this today. This handsome silver medal from 1888 was awarded by the Comité Agricole et Commercial de Commercy to a Madame Chesnier for taking first prize in the heifer category. On one side, the proud profile of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic, stares resolutely into the distance beneath the inscription République Française. The reverse is a bucolic farming scene bursting with agricultural detail, featuring cattle, pigs, and a working farmer, all topped by the Gallic rooster, France’s national symbol.

Still housed in its original leather case with silk lining, this piece isn’t just a prize but a patriotic symbol. In the years leading up to the 20th century, French agricultural awards reflected national priorities. Rewarding food production was seen as vital, especially with military preparations never far from mind.

Undoubtedly, this would beef up any collection.