By Vauthier Galle. Diameter: 46 mm. Weight: 71.35 gms. Obverse: Head of Ceres left, crowned by floral wreath; Reverse: Encircling inscription reading: MINISTERE DE L'INSTRUCTION PUBLIQUE DES CULTES ET DES BEAUX-ARTS [MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION OF CULTURE AND FINE ARTS]; within, 10 line inscription: CONCOURS DE 1879 / Mr. SCHRADER MEMBRRE DE LA SOCIETE RAMOND A BORDEAUX / RECHERCHES SUR LES PYRENEES [COMPETITION OF 1879 / Mr. SCHRADER MEMBER OF THE RAMOND COMPANY IN BORDEAUX / RESEARCH ON THE PYRENEES]; Edge: "E:BEE".

A phenomenal and generously sized medal in gold struck to commemorate achievement in the arts and sciences of the highest caliber. Awarded to Franz Schrader, who was a French geographer and cartographer. Schrader's research on the Pyrenes was considered pioneering, and his plans to create a general map of the Pyrenees in 1879 led to his award of a grant from the Ministere de L' Instruction to do so. This ambitious goal and grant likely accounts for the awarding of this medal, as Schrader was the winner in the competition for funding.

Medals of this type are seldom encountered, with this cataloger only able to find one example similar, an 1875 example, offered in 2001. Demonstrating a robust strike in high relief, this beautiful medal even displays some stunning contrast with delicately frosted legends and devices. Very little evidence of handling presents, with just a faint whisper of friction visible under magnification, and no gouges or marks. Given the beautiful nature of the piece, and tremendous pedigree, this example should be the prized lot of any serious medal collector. A RARE treasure, worthy of a strong bid.