Bank of the Belgian Congo 50th Anniversary 1909 - 1959 Large Bronze Medallion by Paul De Greef with Original Card Case

Here on offer is a fine example of a Bank of the Belgian Congo 50th anniversary 1909 – 1959 large smooth edged bronze medallion, by Paul De Greef and with its original round and coloured card case.

On the obverse it depicts an elephant striding left with the anniversary dates, 1909-1959, below and above, BANQUE DU CONGO BELGE.

On the reverse, in the top panel is the image of the original bank building in MATADI 1909and in the lower panel is the image of the bank headquarters in LEOPOLDVILLE 1959.

It also has the maker’s name DE GREEF stamped in the lower section.

The history of Paul De Greef goes back more than 130 years in time, until 1890. Paul De Greef was a well-known engraver in the Rue du Midi (Zuidstraat) in Brussels. In the early days the activities were limited to medals and decorations, but over time the range was extended with awards, insignia, nameplates and stamps and they are still in existence today.

This fine example comes with its original circular card case, that is now in a slightly delicate condition. Inside it is lined with maroon coloured velvet. The top and edges are covered with a mauve leather effect paper and the base has the official P De Greef gilt maker’s label, with their address at 112-114 RUE DU MIDI BRUXELLES.

The medallion is in excellent condition with now wear or damage that I can see, just now it has a lovely aged patina to the bronze. It appears to have been protected and stored in the case since it was made in 1959.

Some history about the BELGIAN CONGO (1908-1960)

Leopold II succeeded his father, Leopold I, to the Belgian throne in 1865. In 1876 Leopold II organized an international association for the development of Central Africa. Three years later, under his patronage, Stanley competed with the French explorer Brazza to acquire rights to the Congo region. The occupation is mainly pushed towards the southern valley of the Nile. Leopold also wanted to establish a railway network along the Congo River and its tributaries, to create the sources of income essential to the self-financing of the company and the self-management of the conquered territory. At the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, representatives of 14 European countries and the United States recognized Leopold's sovereignty over the Congo Free State, which he exercised until 1908. Thanks to the resources of this colony, in particular the rubber crops, the king grew considerably richer and many buildings or monuments in Brussels were built. Following an international campaign led by the British to denounce the brutal and inhuman treatment of the local populations by the colonials, the position of the king becomes untenable and he is forced in spite of himself to cede the sovereignty of the Congo to the Belgian nation. The Belgian government renames the territory "Belgian Congo". It became independent in 1960.

The medallion measures 2.75” (7cm) diameter and is 0.2” (5.7mm) thick, weighing 160g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

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Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 51791