Small devotional & commemorative medal issued for French aviation pilgrimages to Lourdes – with ribbon.
Country: France
Type: Aviation devotional & commemorative medal
Period: Dates back to World War I era
Dimensions: approx. 33.26 x 30.10 mm
Material: Silvered metal with enamel details
Ribbon: Original blue-white ribbon with safety pin on reverse (partially unstitched on one side – see photos)
Medal Design
Obverse: Medal shaped as a cross resembling an airplane silhouette, with central figure of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes. On each wing, enamelled French roundels (cocardes) in red, white, and blue.
Reverse: Inscribed L’AVIATION FRANÇAISE A LOURDES (French Aviation at Lourdes).
Suspension: Mounted on a blue/white devotional ribbon, symbolic of the Marian colours.
Condition
Medal in overall good preserved condition for its age. Shows natural wear and patina consistent with age. Ribbon intact, though the safety pin sewn on the reverse has partially come loose on one side (please refer to the pictures).
Historical Significance
This small devotional medal dates back to the period of World War I, when French military aviation began pilgrimages to Lourdes. It is not a state decoration but a religious-patriotic token carried by airmen and participants of such pilgrimages. These medals combine elements of French aviation, Catholic devotion, and national colours, making them unique pieces of history that link military and spiritual traditions.
Collector’s Note: Rarely encountered medal in small format, with original ribbon. Highly desirable for both aviation memorabilia and religious devotional medal collections.