Photo Credit: jamoni10
Bronze Art Deco Plaque by Pierre Alexandre Morlon
Buy It Now Price: $99 (price as of 2017; item no longer available)
Pros:
-Here is an eye-catching bronze Art Deco plaque created by the very talented French sculptor and medalist Pierre Alexandre Morlon. Born in 1878, Morlon received classical art training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was best known for his bold and innovative interpretation of Art Deco style.
-This bronze plaque measures 65 mm (2.56 inches) tall by 56 mm (2.20 inches) wide and weighs 144 grams (0.32 pounds).
-This bronze Art Deco plaque depicts a woman in profile holding a sheaf of wheat on the obverse and various farm animals surrounding an inscription on the reverse.
-The French inscription on the back of the medal reads “OFFERT PAR M. DE MONTALEMBERT SENATEUR DE LA SEINE MARITIME” which roughly translates as “offered by Monsieur De Montalembert, senator of the Seine Maritime”
-The Seine Maritime is a bucolic department on the northern coast of France, in the Normandy region. This department used to be known as the Seine-Inférieure until 1955, when it was renamed.
-Because the Seine Maritime changed its name, we can confidently date the inscription on the medal to sometime after 1955. However, it is possible the medal was struck years before.
-This Art Deco plaque is stamped with the word “BRONZE” and the cornucopia hallmark, indicating it was produced at the Paris mint. These hallmarks are completely consistent with an early to mid 20th century French medal.
-As a bonus, this bronze Art Deco plaque also comes with its original red box. This helps to boost its desirability and value.
-19th and 20th century European art medals are significantly undervalued in today’s market. They are wonderful objet d’art that will eventually appreciate in value robustly.
-This medal absolutely exudes wonderful Art Deco linearity and simplicity. It was rendered in a fine style by an accomplished artist, making the asking price of $99 quite reasonable. If you ever wanted to own an Art Deco bronze, here is your chance.
Cons:
-French Art Deco medals struck in solid silver are readily available in the marketplace for just a little more money. All else being equal, a medal struck from silver will be more desirable than one struck from bronze.
-The reverse features livestock, which may be a turn-off for some collectors, limiting the medal’s potential audience.
