1955 Compagnie Generale Transatlantique Centenary Plaque

An impressive looking bronze plaque that was produced to celebrate the 100 years of existence of the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique.

The circular plaque or non-portable medal shows an Art Deco style woman holding the company banner, with the map of the World behind. Inside a shield are the dates 1855 – 1955. There is also the artist’s name MARCEL RENARD. On the reverse is a fleet of different ships, through the ages, and an inscription that reads: DEPUIS CENT ANS LA COMPAGNIE GENERALE TRANSATLANTIQUE AU SERVICE DEL’ECONOMIE FRANCAISE ET DES ECHANGES INTERNATIONAUX, MANTIENT SUR LES OCEANS, LA PRESENCE ET LE PRESTIGE DE LA FRANCE. (For a 100 years, the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique has maintained, on the Oceans, a presence and the prestige of France, in the service of the French Economy and International Exchanges). The medal is stamped BRONZE on the edge, as well as a foundry mark. The medal comes with its original leatherette circular case.

The Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (commonly named "Transat"), typically known overseas as the French Line, was a shipping company established in 1855 as an attempt to revive the French merchant marine, the poor state of which was self-evident during the Crimean War of 1854. The company's first vessel, the SS Washington, had its maiden voyage on 15 June 1864. Other than operating ocean liners, the company also had a significant fleet of freighters. The company survived both World Wars, but the development of jet travel doomed its mainstay passenger liner business. In 1977, the company merged with the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes to form the Compagnie Générale Maritime.

Size: 7.5 cm
Weight: 138 g