Jean Vernon – Bronze Medallion, with original presentation case, given to the well-heeled passengers on the maiden voyage of the luxury liner SS Normandie in 1935.
It was the jewel in the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique ‘French Line’s’ crown. It’s interiors were designed by some of the most celebrated French artists & designers of the Art Deco period which included;
Rene Lalique (glass), Emile-Jacques Ruhlamann (furniture), Raymond Subes (decorative metal work), Jules Leleu (furniture), Pierre Patout (furniture), Jean Luce (porcelain / dinner ware), Jean Dupas (painting of grand mural) among others.
It sailed the Atlantic from Le Havre to New York until 1941 when the US Government requisitioned it for the war effort to carry Allied troops and renamed USS Lafayette. It was stripped down and during the modification works, caught fire then capsized in the Hudson River. The wreck was salvaged but was ultimately scrapped in 1946