Art Nouveau style bronze medallic art piece with fox and crow imagery

This circular bronze-toned medallic art piece features a high-relief scene consistent with the fables of La Fontaine, specifically 'The Fox and the Crow.' The composition depicts a seated fox looking upward toward a crow perched in a tree. The item is cast from what appears to be a copper alloy, possibly bronze, showing a natural aged patina with variations in brown and golden-yellow tones. On the left side, the piece bears a visible signature reading 'F. VERNON,' which is stylistically consistent with the work of French medalist Frédéric-Charles Victor de Vernon. On the right, the French text 'LE CORBEAU ET LE RENARD' is inscribed in raised letters. The craftsmanship displays the fluid, organic lines and depth characteristic of French Art Nouveau medallic art from the late 19th or early 20th century. Condition-wise, the surface shows minor verdigris, surface scratches, and wear consistent with age and handling. While the markings are visible, they remain unverified without physical inspection to rule out later reproductions or restrikes. Identifications based on these markings should be treated as a hypothesis pending expert authentication.

I have evaluated this medallic art piece based on the provided image and description. Based on what I can see, the item features a high-relief composition and bears a signature consistent with the work of Frédéric-Charles Victor de Vernon, as well as an inscription referencing La Fontaine's fables. The fluid Art Nouveau styling and the quality of the casting suggest it is a French bronze medal from the late 19th or early 20th century. However, I cannot verify from a photo whether this is a lifetime strike or a later restrike, as I would need a physical inspection to check for edge markings like 'BRONZE' or specific cornucopia mint marks. The value estimate of $150–$300 assumes the attribution to Vernon is correct and that it is a period cast. This range is based on general market behavior for French belle époque bronze medals, which remain popular due to their fine craftsmanship. The presence of minor verdigris and surface wear is typical for an object of this age but does moderately impact the collector value. I cannot rule out the possibility that this is a later reproduction; if it were determined to be a modern cast or a replica 'in the style of' Vernon, the value would likely drop below $50. To confirm its status, an in-person examination by a numismatic expert is required to verify the metal composition, dimensions, and edge hallmarks. Documentation regarding its provenance would also be essential for a formal appraisal. This report remains a hypothesis pending such verification.