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a plaque on the wall of a building that has writing on ita metal shield with a rope hanging from it ' s side
Thierry de Maigret

86 - Silver badge awarded by First Consul Bonaparte for an honour…
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Estimate €200 - €300
Sale commission
Description
Silver badge awarded by First Consul Bonaparte for an honourable rifle, in the shape of a shield, engraved on the front: The First Consul – To Captain François Thonnier – Commander in the 35th Infantry Brigade – For acts of valour, with the rim engraved with foliage and pierced with twelve holes for fastening; height 91 mm, width 77 mm. Period: reconstruction from the second half of the 19th FrenchTHONNIER (or THONNIEZ), a grenadier in the 35th Line Brigade, was awarded an honourable rifle on 10 Prairial, Year XI, for having distinguished himself … in the Army of Italy in 1800. *Fastes de la Légion d’honneur*, by Messrs LIEVYNS, VERDOT and BEGAT, 1844, Volume III, page 187: Born in the department of Puy-de-Dôme, he served in the Army of Italy in 1799 and 1800. During a skirmish at the vanguard in the lattercampaign, he fell into an Austrian ambush; when ordered to surrender, THONNIEZ replied to this summons with a rifle shot, rushed at his adversaries with his bayonet thrust forward, and cried out: ‘Follow me, grenadiers, we’ve got them!’ This presence of mind, in the midst of great danger, struck the enemy, who believed themselves surrounded and laid down their arms; this post was manned by 32 men. On 10 Prairial, Year XI, THONNIEZ was awarded an honorary rifle. He retired from service in 1805 and became an elector for the district of Riom.
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About the sale Antique weapons and historical memorabilia
Auction location
Auction time 06/30/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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