France, Napoleon I Bonaparte. Bronze medal commemorating the annexation of Simplon, 1807, Andrieu, Bramsen 688, Bronze 40 mm, weight 38,32 g., Condition aUNC, beautiful brown patina with luster.
"By a decree of the 12th November, Napoleon united to the French Empire, the territory of the Valais, under the name of the department of Simplon, a name derived from one of the mountains of the Alps, situate on the side of Great St. Bernard, Mont Blanc is on the other: these three great mountain masses are all recorded by the medals of Napoleon.- (See Nos. 12 and 34.) The pretexts for this annexation were, that the Simplon, connecting France and Italy, had cost both treasuries eighteen millions of livres; that the Valais had not adhered to its engagements; and that it was necessary to put an end to the struggles for power among the population." Laskey p. 153-154 (source:...