Marianne's Helmet

harasha

I noted something interesting (to me, anyway) a few days ago. I had recently obtained a medal featuring Rivet's rendition of Marianne. Perched on the helmet was a lion. I don't recall the lion being a heraldic device for France. I actually looked up Rivet and the medal's reference to make sure I was not looking at a Belgian piece. Has anyone else noted unusual heraldic devices?