Normandie Medal, Rio Cruise 1939

Product Description

Of the five known medallions produced by the  CGT for the ss Normandie, this is by far the rarest.  Over the years, I have had more sterling silver VIP maiden voyage medals than this gem which was sold on her last cruise to Rio in February, 1939.  The sterling medal was rumored to be limited to 500 examples; so I would venture that this Rio medal might have had an even lower mintage.  Far fewer people went on this, the second cruise Normandie undertook to Brazil.  Despite this being the best and most luxurious cruise ever undertaken, the cost to go was very high, and of the US cruise passengers who could afford this trip, many had taken it already in 1938.  Because of this, they didn’t book the same cruise again only a year later.  I currently know of only about 6 or 7 of these out there.  In excellent condition and a highly sought-after addition to anyone’s French Line ss Normandie collection.