Vintage gilt bronze brooch by Arthus Bertrand, the Paris medalist and jeweler founded in 1803 that has produced official French military and civil decorations, Legion of Honor medals, and ceremonial insignia for over two centuries and is still operating today. The oval medallion depicts the heraldic ship, or nef, from the coat of arms of the City of Paris, sails full, flanked by two fleur-de-lis and framed with a twisted rope border. This ship and fleur-de-lis combination is the same imagery on the official Paris city shield, tied to the old Paris boatmen's guild and the city motto Fluctuat Nec Mergitur. Reverse is stamped ARTHUS BERTRAND and PARIS, fitted with a C-clasp pin closure typical of French vintage lapel badges and medals. Measures approximately 1 1/4 inches by 1 1/8 inches.

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