France, Revolution (1789-1794). - Lot 62

France, Revolution (1789-1794). Patent on vellum of the medallion or Order of the Two Swords, known as the Order of Vetérance, instituted on April 16, 1771. Awarded to Jacques BERARD, Corporal in the Champagne Regiment, Montronan Company. Done in Paris on December 28, 1789. Handwritten signature of Jean-Frédéric de la Tour du Pin de Gouvernet, Lieutenant General of the King's Armies, Minister and Secretary of State, having the Department of War. Patent bearing a vignette depicting the globe crowned with the coat of arms of France, embellished with oak and olive branches, and decorated with helmets, breastplates, trophies, flags, arms, cannons, cannonballs and trumpets. At top left, an oval medallion with two crossed swords. (Patina of age, folds and very slight yellowing. Good condition). 35.5 x 27.5 cm. Note: Jean-Frédéric de La Tour du Pin de Gouvernet (1727-1794) was a French general and politician, deputy of the nobility to the Estates General of 1789, and Minister of War under King Louis XVI. He was executed on April 28, 1794. The medallion of the two swords encouraged low-ranking officers and non-commissioned soldiers who could not be awarded the Order of Saint-Louis or Military Merit to re-enlist in the army. The medallion was awarded after twenty-four years of service. The medallion of vetérance was not abolished during the Revolution and does not appear to have been awarded after 1795, but it was prohibited from being worn.