NNP

Undulating Base Line.  A line of lettering appearing in a wave for artistic effect. This usually is a result of extra long lettering to appear on the item. This is particularly

a problem for smaller items, like medalets. The heraldic term for this design element is undé.  A Grant Medalet of 1868 (Julian PR-42) with four lines on the reverse has the wording "Commander in Chief" undulating but is most dramatic on a large medal (as Julian PE-10).  See base line.  

References:                                                                                                                            

O37 {1977} Julian.

excerpted with permission from

An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

Roger W. Burdette, Editor