TitlePlaque, tompion from Helicopter Carrier Jeanne D'Arc Datec 1985About this objectThis bronze tompion, originally a decorative plug used to protect a ship’s gun barrel, was presented by the French Navy helicopter carrier Jeanne d’Arc during her visit to Sydney on 1 March 1986. The plaque shows Joan of Arc on horseback leading four knights, with four female figures behind.
For more than 150 years, French naval vessels visiting Sydney have honoured navigator Jean-François de Lapérouse by donating their ship’s tompion to the La Perouse Museum. The Jeanne d’Arc (commissioned 1964, decommissioned 2010) served as a training and helicopter carrier and visited Australia eight times, continuing a long tradition of French maritime links with Sydney.Object No.88.89Physical descriptionA round bronze plaque mounted on a shield shaped wooden plaque.
The plaque depicts Jeanne on horseback carrying a flag, riding from left to right, with four shield and weapon carrying knights, with heads of four women in the background.
Jeanne D'Arc inscription.CreatorFoundry Bronzes de MohonInscriptions & marks"Porte-Helicopteres Jeanne D'Arc", "Campagne 1985/1985", "Souvenir de la Perouse", "Botany Bay 1/3/86"DimensionsH: 320 mm W: 268 mm D: 28 mmPlace madeMohon, Morbihan, FranceMaterialWoodMetal SourceLa Perouse MuseumCredit lineReceived from ship Jeanne D'ArcAcquisition date1988On displayNoTypeMuseum objectsOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesEuropean arrivals
