France, Kingdom. A Decoration of the Lily, Silver Cross c. 1815

Instituted April 26, 1814. In silver, a small white Maltese cross with ball finials and a silver fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the center medallion in Gold presenting a right facing profile of King Henri VI, surrounded by a blue ring inscribed VIVE HENRI ROI DE FRANCE, the reverse medallion features three fleur-de-lis, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the badge is surmounted by a large royal crown, measures 20.40mm (w) x 36.4mm (h – including crown), weighs 7.8 grams, a fasces mark on the silver ring denoting Paris manufacture between 1809-1819, very dark patina, enamel chip on cross of both obverse and reverse, and on the obverse of blue enamel centre medallion, a lovely decoration, in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Decoration of the Lily was established by the brother of Louis XVIII, Count of Artois, the future King Charles X, on April 26, 1814. It was suppressed by Napoleon during the Hundred Days, restored during the Second Restoration, and permanently suppressed on February 10, 1831.