Saint Helena Medal with its original certificate from a veteran of the Battle of Berezina 1812

Saint Helena Medal in patinated bronze with its original certificate, awarded to Lopez Emmanuel Antoine, born in Lyon, France, a former officer in Napoleon’s army.

He took part in 10 campaigns with Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte:

• In Russia, 1812: Battle of Smolensk, Battle of Borodino (Moskowa), Battle of Maloyaroslavets, Battle of Krasnoi (with Marshal Ney), and the Battle of Berezina.

• In Germany, 1813: Battle of Lützen, Battle of Bautzen (Wurschen), Battle of Leipzig, and Battle of Hanau.

Soldier Lopez was awarded the Legion of Honor at the rank of Knight and later promoted to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor.

The frame measures 36.5 cm x 26.5 cm. It is damaged at the 12 o’clock position, as shown in the photos.

The Battle of Berezina:
It took place from November 26 to 29, 1812, on the banks of the Berezina River in Belarus. It was a crucial battle between the French forces of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Russian forces commanded by General Kutuzov.

The Battle of Berezina was marked by a series of engagements and skirmishes, as well as complex strategic maneuvers.

The French managed to cross the river under Russian fire but suffered heavy losses in men and equipment.

It is estimated that of the 50,000 combat-ready men of the Grande Armée, around 30,000 were killed, wounded, or captured.

The Saint Helena Medal was created in 1857 by Emperor Napoleon III in honor of the veterans who had fought under the command of his uncle, Napoleon I, during the Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815). It is the first official French commemorative medal, awarded to approximately 405,000 soldiers, whether they were still alive in France or abroad.

The obverse of the medal features the face of Napoleon I in relief with the inscription “Napoleon I Emperor” around the portrait.

The reverse bears the inscription “To his companions in glory, his last thought – Saint Helena, May 5, 1821,” the date of Napoleon’s death.

We send with the frame a printed document listing the battles in which Soldier Lopez took part.