The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 42, October 15, 2006, Article 4

WORLD WAR I BELGIAN MEDALS REFERENCE FOUND

Regarding Steve Pellegrini's search for the author and title of a
rare book on Belgian World War I medals, Joe Levine writes: "The
reference that Steve is looking for is a two volume set with the
short title of LA FRAPPE EN BELGIQUE OCCUPEE by  Charles Lefebure
printed in 1923.  It has one volume of text and one volume of plates."

Scott Miller writes: "The book is "Expose Sucinct et Chronologique
de La Frappe Patriotique, de Necessite, de Bienfaisance et Commemorative
en Belgique Occupee" by Charles Lefebure, 1923, (usually referred to as
La Frappe en Belgique Occupee), 105 examples on Arches paper, and 575
copies on "papier pur fil lafuma" (my French is a bit weak so will
leave this untranslated) 329 pages + erratas and table des matieres,
105 plates."

J. Moens of Dilbeek, Belgium adds: "This title could be translated
as follows "Medals Struck in Occupied Belgium".  It was produced in
1923 in only 575 copies, making it indeed scarce, but not impossible
to find."

Howard Daniel adds: "Several years ago, I was in Brussels to visit a
niece and nephew whose parents were temporarily working there.  I had
been dealing with Jean Elsen in the same city for many years, so I
emailed him and made an appointment to visit his firm.  It was a cold
and rainy day as I rode one of the city's many trolley cars.  The
nearest station was about three or four blocks from a nice old townhouse
where the firm is located.  Once I was inside, the staff was very
friendly and provided me with a hot cup of tea and pointed me to a
nearby heater to warm up.

Jean Elsen & Ses Fils S.A. is primarily an auction house but they
also have price lists.  And they have a large library too.  I would
suggest Steve contact the firm at numismatique@elsen.be and ask them
if they have the reference he needs, and if not in their library,
where one is located.

This firm has also recently acquired a large collection of Russian
gold coins and will be auctioning it in Auction 90 on December 9,
2006.  I would not be surprised to see several excellent references
from the owner's library also in the auction.  It is very easy to
subscribe to their auctions and price lists, and often tens of
excellent old European references are in them."

[Many thanks to everyone for their information. -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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