France, IV Republic. A National Order of the Legion of Honour, I Class Grand Cross Star, by Bertrand, c.1955

Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, Grand croix. Instituted in 1802. 1951-1962 Issue. In silver gilt, maker marked "A.B. & Co" (Arthus Bertrand) and hallmarked with a crab on the pin, measuring 92.8 mm (w) x 90.2 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual prongs, light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Legion of Honour (AKA National Order of the Legion of Honour) is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte. The order's motto is "Honneur et Patrie" ("Honour and Fatherland") and its seat is the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur next to the Musée d'Orsay, on the left bank of the River Seine in Paris. The order is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross).