1931 Ville de Metz Bronze Football Plaque – N.-H. Legendre

This bronze plaque was created as an award for the football competitions of the city of Metz. At that time, football in France was rapidly gaining popularity – prior to the foundation of the professional league (Ligue 1) in 1932, numerous local tournaments and city championships were being organized.
Metz, as one of the major cities of Lorraine, had an active football community even before the official founding of FC Metz. Such plaques were presented to players or teams as prizes for their achievements in the city’s competitions.
The author of this plaque is N.-H. Legendre, a rarely encountered medallist. This is one of only a few of his known works, making the piece a rare and desirable item among collectors. 
Obverse: Football scene with two attacking players challenging the goalkeeper, who is preparing to make a save. Signed at lower left: N.-H. Legendre MCMXXXI.
Reverse: Inscription VILLE DE METZ above the city’s coat of arms, flanked by oak sprigs. A blank rectangular tablet below intended for engraving the recipient’s name.
Edge: Impressed BRONZE with foundry mark.
Engraver: N.-H. Legendre (active early 20th century, very few medallic works known).
Country: France, Metz
Year: 1931
Metal: Bronze
Weight: ± 185.3 g
Dimensions: ± 80 × 56 mm
Authenticity unconditionally guaranteed!