“MINISTÈRE DE LA GUERRE Concours de Pigeons Voyageurs” Translation: Ministry of War – Homing Pigeon Competition This inscription firmly identifies the plaque as an official Ministry of War award, connected to France’s military pigeon-breeding and training programmes. Historical Significance: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly before and during World War I, homing pigeons were vital military communication tools, used to transmit messages across front lines when telegraph and radio systems were unavailable or compromised. The French Ministry of War organised formal competitions and trials to assess the reliability, endurance, and navigational ability of pigeons, with awards presented to breeders, trainers, or military units. This plaque would have served as a formal prize or commemorative award, reflecting state-level recognition rather than private or retail production. Marks & Manufacture: An impressed triangular stamp to the reverse is consistent with French porcelain workshop marks, frequently found on institutional and government commissions. While precise attribution remains difficult without archival documentation, such plaques were commonly produced by Paris or Limoges-associated studios working under official contracts. Details: -Origin: France -Date: Circa 1890–1920 -Material: Biscuit porcelain -Mount: Original velvet-lined presentation frame -Size: 27.7 x 17.3 (cm) -Subject: Classical nude female figure (high relief) -Function: Ministry of War award / official competition prize -Condition: Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear; frame original A rare survivor of early modern military communication history, combining fine neoclassical porcelain artistry with documented governmental and military relevance. Highly desirable for collectors of military history, French state awards, WWI-era artefacts, and institutional porcelain.