FRANCE, GENERAL UNION OF ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION, BY RAYMOND PELLETIER, 1961

HISTORY: French sculptor and medalist Raymond Pelletier (1907–1958) was commissioned to create this award medal for Syndicat Général de la Construction Electrique (General Union of Electrical Construction). The union was established in 1877 as the Trade Union of Electrical Construction but was transformed into its present form in 1925. Using Pelletier’s medalic design, in 1961, they began honoring their union workers, employees, technicians, and engineers with a medal of distinction for their services.

OBVERSE: Pelletier featured Bia, Greek goddess of force and raw energy, as his dynamic theme. Daughter of Pallas (Titan of Warcraft) and Styx (River Goddess), Bia floats above the planet Earth, grasping the power of the Sun in her left hand while thrusting the transformed energy—bolts of lightning—to Earth’s surface. In the lower right is the signature “RAY PELLETIER.”

REVERSE: A dramatic perspective of the construction of a power generator dominates this view. The message below speaks to the conscience professionalism, technological valor, spirit and fidelity to work and trade. This medal was awarded to Marie Louis in 1966. I’m sure it was well deserved.

EDGE: The bottom edge is engraved with the Paris Mint Director’s cornucopia edge mark, followed by the word “BRONZE.”