Lot 2889
Mexico. Original Maximilian Era Button, also French Foreign Legion Battle of Camerone Medal. 1) An original button, vintage mid-1860s, as worn on a military or imperial court tunic, in gilt bronze with the crowned double M cypher of Maximilian. Attachment loop on reverse with maker name "Superieur France". Choice nearly Mint State and very rare. 2) Undated pinback medallion in silver colored metal, 50.5mm, likely made in 1963 for the 100th anniversary of the famous French Foreign Battle of Camerone on April 30, 1863, when 65 French Legionnaires under the command of Captain Danjou, charged with the protection of French convoys, held off an attacking Mexican force of cavalry and infantry numbering 2000 men. The Legionnaires fought for 11 hours, until only three were left standing, most having been killed, with some others alive but seriously wounded. As these three stood back to back, totally surrounded and about to be slain by bayonet weilding Mexican soldiers, a Mexican officer, Col. Cambas asked for their surrender. The three agreed if they could care for their wounded and keep their weapons. Cambas replied "One refuses nothing to such men as you." Estimates of the Mexican dead were 300 to 400, and the battle has become legendary and among the most important and evocative in all of Legionnary and French military history. Choice lightly toned EF-AU and the first we have seen. Total of 2 pcs.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
Don Bailey Collection.
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| Realized $414 |
