Description
An official antique République Française embossed tin municipal shield, that would have been mounted on the wall outside of the local town hall holding five tricolor flags,  dating to The French Third Republic, circa 1890 – 1910.
Difficult to find in such good condition, as they were used outdoors over a period of time. Plaques with the original wooden mounting bracket intact are particularly scarce.
The shield is mounted to a wooden frame with a top and bottom bracket, each with five holes for mounting a fanned array of ceremonial flags.
The letters “RF” stand for République Française (French Republic). These signs were placed on government buildings (mairies) to show state authority.
The Fronton de Mairie plaques were mounted outside town halls, schools or on vehicles for national holidays and local Bastille Day celebrations.
Small wooden-poled Tricolor flags slide into the holders in a fan like display.
The iconic embossed “RF” insignia is surrounded by a raised bronze-painted laurel wreath and a radiant central star set against the classic tricolor background.
This piece retains its original, intact 5-slot wooden flag bracket securely fastened to the back.
19.5 inches High x 14 inches W. Extending 1.75 inches from the wall.
The expected light bending and rust to the tin shield. Age wear to the wood back brace, Still sturdy with remarkably bright coloring.
