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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 474

(x) A possibly unique French medal for the Battle of Abukir, 25 July 1799 to the 22nd Regiment Chasseurs à Cheval, silver-gilt, 46mm including suspension loop x 36mm, obverse engraved 'Colonel Lasalle 22me Regt. Chasseurs à Cheval armée d'orient. Gabriel Buvelot, Chasseur 1re Compe.', reverse engraved 'Combat D'Abou=Qyr, 7 Thermidor An 7, 25 Julliet 1799.', light contact marks, very fine

Antoine Charles Louis de Lasalle, the "Hussar General", was personally selected by Napoleon Bonaparte to participate in his Egyptian Campaign. Lasalle's bold strategy aided the French victory at the Battle of the Pyramids on 21 July 1798, and as a result he was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel of the 22nd Chasseurs à Cheval and the 8th Hussars. He served in this capacity for the remainder of the Egyptian Campaign (where the 22nd Chasseurs à Cheval were engaged as part of the famed 'Armée d'Orient'), and was killed on 5 July 1809 at the Battle of Wagram.

Unfortunately, the Regiment's whereabouts at the Battle of Abukir are unknown and Lasalle's presence at the engagement is unconfirmed; it is possible this medal was created on the instructions of Colonel Lasalle to reward acts of bravery or merit during the campaign by members of his unit, with this specific medal being awarded to Trooper Gabriel Buvelot.


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240