Vintage French 18k Gold Virgin Mary Baptism Medal by Charles Perroud, Lyon, Engraved Christine 11.9.42

September 11, 1942. Somewhere in France, a family gathers to baptise their daughter Christine. The country is under occupation. Churches are still full, gold is scarce, and yet someone commissions this medal from Charles Perroud, the celebrated Lyon goldsmith.

A classic baptism medal with Virgin Mary in high relief, veiled and serene, set within a luminous openwork sawtooth border in 18k yellow gold. On the reverse, engraved in flowing script "Christine · 11.9.42". The execution is precise and confident, bearing all the hallmarks of Perroud's finest work - clean relief, warm yellow gold, a border that catches light from every angle.

Christine would be 83 years old today. This medal has outlasted almost everything from that September morning in 1942 from the occupation, the century, and the people who loved her gave her this pendant. It is now looking for its next chapter, and its next Christine.

French eagle hallmark guaranteeing 18k gold purity 
Perroud maker's mark
21mm diameter excluding jump ring
1.92g