Ancient, British and World Coins and Banknotes

France, 250th Anniversary of the Death of Robert Cavelier de la Salle, 1937, a bronze medal by M. Delannoy, bust left, rev. 12-line legend, DE PAR TRÈS HAVT…LOVISIANE, 68mm (CGMP p.134; cf. BDW 18, 619); Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, 1953, a bronze medal by R.B. Baron, facing bust of Jean Laborde, rev. arms, 59mm (cf. BDW 3, 211) [2]. Both extremely fine; first in original brown card box (£40-60)

Robert Cavelier de la Salle (1643-87), Rouen-born explorer who took possession of Louisiana on behalf of Louis XIV on 9 April 1682; he died in Louisiana. Jean Laborde (1805-78), conqueror of Madagascar; in 1930 the CMM named one of their merchant ships plying to Tamatave after him