Very rare participation medal issued for firefighting at the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics. Silvered bronze, 50 mm, 60 gm, by Louis Bottee. The front depicts a beautiful raised profile of Marianne, national symbol of the French Republic, wearing a Phrygian cap with crowing rooster, with text to right side, "France"; the reverse features a central shield with raised text, “Exposition Universelle, Manoeuvres d’Incendie, 1900,” with background comprised of a burning building and an assortment of firefighting equipment. The edge is marked “Bronze.” In fine condition. A stunning event medal for one of Olympic history's most unusual events.
