I acquired this medal along with Bramsen #1053 at an extremely good price.
Since they are not later restrikes, neither having edge markings, the
good price was probably because both were damaged on the obverse. On this
medal the damage consists of a bright scraped area above Berthier's ear.
Berthier was killed in a fall from a window before the military campaigns
of the 100 Days. It is a matter of some dispute whether he died by accident,
suicide or foul play. What is not open to question is that Napoleon's
staff work suffered severely during the Hundred Days as inexperienced
field commanders tried to fill Berthier's shoes.
|
