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Commemorative medal: Inauguration of Grenoble-Saint-Geoirs Airport – Louis Mandrin – 1968 Olympic Games
€59Bid from €53.10
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A medal that alone tells a piece of the history of the Dauphiné, at a time when Grenoble and its region came into the worldwide spotlight. Made of silver-plated bronze, this important commemorative medal is linked to the inauguration of the new Grenoble-Saint-Geoirs airport in 1968, in the context of the major developments undertaken for the Grenoble Winter Olympics. Its design cleverly brings together ancient history and modernity. In the foreground appears Louis Mandrin, born in Saint-Étienne-de-Saint-Geoirs in 1725 and who became one of the most famous figures of French smuggling in the 18th century. Alongside him are the commune's coat of arms, while a passenger plane evokes this new aerial gateway open to Grenoble and the Alps. This medal gains an additional dimension from its case. This bears the stamp of the Saint-Geoirs Customs administration. Everything thus suggests that this piece was presented during the inauguration of the new platform, in connection with the establishment of the customs services called upon to operate there. The juxtaposition is particularly delightful. To accompany the opening of an airport equipped with its customs services, Saint-Geoirs chose to feature Mandrin, its most famous smuggler, on its medal. Two centuries separate the men, but local history itself provides the ironic nod. The silver-plated bronze offers beautiful depth to the design. Its old-silver-toned patina highlights the reliefs of Mandrin's portrait, the airplane, and the coat of arms, while its substantial weight immediately gives a feeling of high quality when held. Preserved with its original stamped case, this ensemble testifies to the inauguration of Saint-Geoirs airport, the Olympic year 1968, and the establishment of the administrations necessary for the operation of this new international platform. A unique historical piece, where Louis Mandrin, modern aviation, and the administration responsible for monitoring borders meet with a certain irony.
Additional details:
- Brand: 20eSiecle
- Material: Bronze argenté
- Colour: Argent
- Period: 1960s
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsSilver
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ProfessionalSaint symphorien des bois, FranceOn Whoppah since August 2026 • 1 sale