France, firefighting. UNION DEPARTMENTAL DES SAPEURS-POMPIERS DES YVELINES. By André-Henri Torcheux (1912-1998). Cast bronze 178mm (about 7 inches). It is exceptionally rare for a double-side medal to be so large. $300.

Andr?-Henri Torcheux was born in Paris on January 9 1912. He studied under Paul Niclausse at l’?cole Nationale des Arts D?coratifs de Paris and later under Jean Boucher at l’?cole Nationale Sup?rieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris. He won a silver medal at the Salon des Artistes Fan?ais. Starting in 1946 he taught drawing in Paris. He worked primarily as a sculptor and created several medals.