The Colonial Medal (Médaille Coloniale) is a French decoration created by the "loi de finances" of 26 July 1893 (article 75) to reward "military services in the colonies, resulting from participation in military operations, in a colony or a protectorate." A decree of 6 June 1962 changed the term "colonial" to "overseas." First type medal, in silver. This is the bifacial initial type 1894-1913, marked "Argent" (Silver) on the rim at the 6 o’clock position. The medal was made by Mercier and designed by Georges Lemaire with his initials GL on the reverse in a script logo (stamped in, to the left of the C in Colonial). The Mercier maker’s diamond logo is stamped into the palm leaves on the front of the suspension. Bars Extreme Orient and Cochinchine. This is the oldest and highest-quality version of this particular medal.