A collection of three souvenir items relating to the Eiffel Tower, Paris. The primary item is a circular commemorative medal struck in white metal or silver-plated bronze. The obverse features a relief of the Eiffel Tower with a circular legend reading TOUR EIFFEL, SOUVENIR DE L’ASCENSION, and SOMMET DE LA. The reverse depicts a relief scene of three workmen engaged in construction or maintenance on the iron framework of the tower. The medal is housed in a rectangular, hinged presentation case with a dark maroon exterior and a blue velvet-lined base. The interior cream silk lid lining is printed with the retailer details: Medalists and Club Badge Makers. J. Daffern & Co. 101 Hatton Garden, LONDON, E.C. The lot also includes two cast metal souvenir keyrings shaped as the Eiffel Tower, one with a copper-toned finish and the other with a dark oxidised bronze finish, both attached to circular split-rings.
Condition report:
The medal shows significant surface tarnishing and patination consistent with age. The presentation case exhibits external wear to the edges and hinge; the interior silk lining shows staining and foxing, while the velvet base shows minor pile wear. Both keyrings show surface oxidation and loss of finish from handling.
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