Jean Vernon - Medaille 'Normandie'

$585 AUD

Item 3364

A bronze medallion commemorating the launch of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique / The French Line's luxury passenger ship, the S.S.Normandie in 1935.
The obverse depicting the Greek myth of Andromeda with broken chains after being set free by Perseus. The reverse with a depiction of the ship.
With original presentation case.

French, 1935.

*The SS Normandie was the prized ship of France. Sailing during the golden age of ocean liners, the SS Normandie represented the pinnacle of steam ship design, accommodations, and service. It sailed the transatlantic route - Le Havre to New York - from 1935 until 1942.

Designed in the Art Déco style throughout, the SS Normandie was a show case of opulence. The interiors were designed by Pierre Patout with contributions by prominent Art Deco masters such as René Lalique, Jean Dunand, Jean Dupas, Christofle, Jean Luce, Jules Leleu and Süe et Mare among others

In 1942 in what was to become her final voyage as a passenger liner, the Normandie was seized by the US Navy in New York to be converted into a troop ship during World War II. Renamed the SS Lafayette, the ship underwent extensive modifications and the opulent interior accommodations were dismantled. During the modifications, a spark from a welding torch started a fire. The fire spread rapidly throughout the ship. Unfortunately, despite all efforts to put out the fire, the ship capsized then lay on its side in New York Harbour before finally being scrapped in 1946.

CONDITION: Very Good. Case with signs of age & usage.

DIMENSIONS: 68mm dimeter

AVAILABILITY: In stock

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