FRANCE - FRANCE Second Empire / Napoleon III (1852-1870). Silver medal, Naval Wards School in Brest, by Barre, Special strike (SP) 1862, Paris. Av. NAPOLEON III - EMPEROR. Head of the Emperor; signature BARRE. Rv. PUPILS OF THE - NAVY. France, seated on a block dated 15 NOV 1862, her left arm on an anchor, covers 4 orphans with her right arm. In exergue LE Cte P. DE CHASSELOUP-LAUBAT/ MINISTRE DE LA MARINE ET/ DES COLONIES; signature BARRE. Divo.468; Silver - 122.4 g - 60 mm - 12 h Top Pop: this is the only engraved example! From the sale Leu 14, Monnaies et médailles napoléoniennes, 15 October 1975, Zurich, No. 554 with pocket (with deferred price CHF 475). PCGS SP65 (55936896). Hallmarks (bee) SILVER. Special strike. Minor edge shock at 12 o'clock. With its barely touched striking velvet and a delicate patina with pinkish highlights. Corner flower. Founded in Brest by the imperial decree of 15 November 1862, the school for naval wards gives priority to children aged 9 to 15 whose fathers were killed in action or were serving on naval vessels.