WORLD WAR I MEDALS. France - Germany. Liberation of Metz Bronze Medal, 1918. Paris Mint. MINT STATE. <em>The Art of Devastation</em>-Unlisted (though cf. 6185.811.1). 68mm. By Emmanuel Hannaux. Obverse: Marianne (personification of France) embracing civic personification of Metz; Reverse: Legend above foliage and shield; all within wreath. Extraordinarily pleasing tan-brown surfaces, with a delightful matte nature.<p><em>Following the Franco-Prussian War, the city of Metz was lost to the Germans. However, the roles reversed after the Treaty of Versailles, with Metz returning to French control, having been lost for nearly half a century. This area, in turn, was a key focal point during World War II, with the Third Reich re-entering Metz and shifting it once again back into German hands--many of the Reich s soldiers having themselves been born there when it was under German control.</em> From the Richard Jewell Collection.
