Bronze medal commemorating the Alliance of Britain and France against Russia, 1854

This bronze medal commemorating the unexpected alliance between Britain and France against Russia, was produced by the firm of medallists, Allen and Moore and designed by an unknown artist signing himself 'Punch'. Its obverse depicts a Grenadier Guardsman greeting a French rifleman, with French and British flags, a drum and cannon in the background. It is inscribed in English and French: 'THE HOLY ALLIANCE and LA SAINTE ALLIANCE. The reverse bears the words: ENGLAND AND FRANCE UNITED TO DEFEND THE OPPRESSED AND AVENGE INSULTED EUROPE.'