Ordre du Mérite Touristique, French Republic Decoration
Key Information:
• Country: France
• Name: Ordre du Mérite Touristique
• Class: Chevalier
• Instituted: 1949
• Discontinued: 1963
• Designer: Rothlein
• Dimensions approx.: 42.63 x 31.40 mm
• Original ribbon attached
Medal Design:
Obverse inscription: “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”
Translation: “French Republic”
Depicts allegorical female figure representing France.
Reverse inscription: “MERITE TOURISTIQUE”
Translation: “Tourism Merit”
Features laurel branch motif.
Condition:
• Light age patina
• Minor surface wear consistent with age
• Ribbon shows age and slight wear
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Order of Merit for Tourism was established in 1949 to reward services promoting French tourism and international travel development. It was discontinued in 1963 when integrated into the Ordre National du Mérite. Pieces from this period represent a short-lived and collectible French state decoration.
Summary:
Original French Ordre du Mérite Touristique, Chevalier class, with original ribbon. A solid mid-20th century French state award.