French Capitulation du Reich Plaque, 1945.

French Capitulation du Reich Plaque, 1945.
This brass plaque was made straight after the capitulation of the 3rd Reich in May 1945. Many claim that it was made from castoff shell casings and these plaques are something of a mystery. The French refer to them as La médaille commémorative Américaine and they are one of only 12 medallions made after the victory in Europe.

They are similar to other commemoratives that were produced locally in France and Belgium during as well as after the liberation. They were usually melted down brass cartridge and shell casings and after the war many of these were made. They were sold locally and given to war veterans as a sign of respect and honor.

Provenance:Acquired in 2009 from the James Mountain WWII & SHAEF Collection via Alderfer Auctions, Hatboro, PA.

Sources:

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"Au Jour V" Médailles commémoratives de la signature à Reims, le 7 mai 1945, de la capitulation de l'Allemagne nazie, 20 May 2012, from:
http://www.cndp.fr/crdpreims/memoire/enseigner/supports_documentaires/medailles_commemoratives.htm

German Instrument of Surrender, Wikipedia, 20 May 2012, from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Instrument_of_Surrender

Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection

Hoist & Fly
Width of Hoist	5.5
Length of Fly	5.5

Stars
Are there stars on obverse?	no
Are there stars on reverse?	no

Stripes
Has a Blood Stripe?	no

Nationality
Nation Represented	France

Documentation
Documents	All original documents and drawings are held in the Zaricor Flag Collection Archives.
Drawings	All original documents and drawings are held in the Zaricor Flag Collection Archives.

Condition
Displayable	no