Historical and Art Medals

1832. France. Statue to General l'Hoche Erected, Versailles, unsigned bronze medal, head of L'Hoche to left., reverse WEISSEMBOURG QUIBERON PACON HE LA VENDÉE, COTE D'lRELANDE etc. within oak and laurel wreath, 50mm. Good very fine (£30-40)

A French medal of considerable Irish interest: Hoche commanded the French fleet of 43 ships which sailed from Brest in1797 to assist the cause of the United Irishmen under Wolfe Tone. The fleet was dispersed during a storm and only sixteen reached the Irish coast, these returning to France after Hoche failed to appear.