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France WWI (Art Deco) Memorial 1925
Catalogue information
LastDodo number
5576625
Area
Tokens / Medals
Title
France WWI (Art Deco) Memorial 1925
Publisher
Value
Country
Year
1925
Collection / set
Material
Weight
Variety / overstrike
Obverse
1914 - 1918 MCMXXV (angel standing with sword)
Reverse
ICI REPOSENT DES SOLDATS MORTS POUR LA FRANCE HARTMANNSWILLERKOPF
Privy mark
Mint mark
Designer
Engraver
Dimensions / Diameter
72 mm
Number
Details
Mass: 160 grams
Thickness: 6 mm
Memorial and Crypt is dedicated to the fallen of both sides. The site attracts almost 100,000 visitors each year, but is closed in winter when the road becomes impassable. Inaugurated in 1932 by French President Lebrun, the crypt’s impressive entranceway is fronted by two large archangels, created by France’s most celebrated sculptor of the 20th century, Antoine Bourdelle. Inside there are three altars – Catholic, Protestant and Jewish – and a bronze plaque covering the bones of tens of thousands of soldiers found on the battlefield. The walls are covered in memorial plaques dedicated to over a hundred units who served on the Vieil Armand.