Dawn of Aviation “Navigation Aerienne” Commemorative Triptych Medal, by Pierre-Alexandre Morlon

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On offer is a bronze “Navigation Aerienne” commemorative triptych medal. The plaque was designed by the legendary French medalist Pierre-Alexande … Read more On offer is a bronze “Navigation Aerienne” commemorative triptych medal. The plaque was designed by the legendary French medalist Pierre-Alexande Morlon and struck in 1909 by the Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint) during the heroic "Pioneer Era" of aviation. It served as a prestigious presentation award or commemorative medallion given to aviation pioneers, engineers and pilots for exceptional contributions to the development of flight.
The aircraft depicted on the front of this plaque represent the absolute pinnacle of French aerospace technology in 1909. Rather than generic shapes, Morlon sculpted highly specific, historic models that dominated the skies at that time.
On the front, the aircraft on the left is a Voisin-Farman I biplane, specifically, the 1907–1908 modification flown by pioneer Henri Farman. The dirigible on the right represents the Clement-Bayard I (or a closely related semi-rigid Patrie-class French military airship). A central allegorical panel depicts the winged "Spirit of Aviation." The caption, “Navigation Aérienne” translates as Aerial Navigation.
The back celebrates the marriage of theory and practice. The left panel shows an aeronautical designer watching birds in flight, captioned “Le Rêve Conçoit” or The Dream Conceives. The right panel shows a mechanic adjusting an early radial aviation engine, captioned “La Science Réalise” or Science Realizes. The empty central box on the reverse was designed to be custom-engraved with the recipient's name. This blank space indicates that this was an unawarded piece.
Pierre-Alexandre Morlon (1878–1951) was a highly celebrated French sculptor and medalist who trained at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Renowned in numismatic history, Morlon designed France's official World War I Victory Medal, as well as the iconic "Morlon Type" French currency (the Republic/Marianne profile coins) used in France for decades during the mid-20th century. His crisp signature, A. Morlon, is clearly struck into the right panel of this plaque’s front side.
Unsurprisingly, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has one too.
Signature/Maker’s Mark: Front panel, lower right (photo #8). See less