Beesy Lion

harasha

Normally, I do not post photos of medals from ebay, but this one kind of fascinated me. The lion and the slogan is the shield of Lyon. However, I do not believe that bees are part of the shield. In fact, I am wondering if there is some sort of Napoleonic reference.
Also, does anyone know about how the medal is marked? The artist appears to be someone named Ravel, but I am not sure.

laurentyvan

Handsome medal! The bee was normally used as an engraver General's Privy Mark a number of times over the centuries in French coinage but here it seems to be integral to the design and not a PM.

It is also a patronymic trademark known as Laguiole, for the famous knife manufacturer Laguiole. Legend has it that it was offered to the Town of Laguiole by Napoleon I as a sign of recognition for the bravery of the local men in combat.