The Madagascar commemorative medal (or Médaille commémorative de Madagascar in French) is a commemorative medal issued to the participants to the First Madagascar expedition in 1883, and the Second Madagascar expedition in 1894-95.
Two different medals were issued, the first one by the law of 31 July 1886, the second one by the law of 15 January 1896. In 1883 the French bombarded and occupied Toamsina (then Tamatave), and in 1885 established a protectorate over Madagascar – which was recognized by Great Britain in 1890. In 1896, French troops under J. S. Gallieni defeated the Merina and abolished the monarchy. Queen Ranavalona III was sent into exile in Algeria in 1897, effectively ending the monarchy.
About 2,500 copies of the medal were awarded.
The First Madagascar Commemorative Medal Design
The medal was designed by Jean-Baptiste Daniel-Dupuis and has a diameter of 30 millimeters.
Within a broad wreath in the obverse is engraved the writing “République Française” arranged around the head of a symbolical helmeted and in armor-clad female figure. It is called the “armed republic” and bears the letters “PATRIE” on its ornate helmet.
The reverse bears a laurel wreath and a radiant five-pointed star, alongside the name of the island “MADAGASCAR“. Next to the star are the years 1883 and 1886 engraved. Under the rays is a trophy which depicts an anchor.
The medal was worn with light green and yellow horizontal striped ribbon on the left chest. That ribbon is a simple and rectangular silver buckle with the designation “MADAGASCAR“.
