France, II Empire An Order of the Legion of Honour, V Class Knight, c.1860

(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, Chevalier). Instituted in 1802. (1852-1870 Issue) In silver with blue and green enamels, Gold centre pieces, French hallmarked with boar's head on the laurel tassels denoting silver manufacture post 1838, partial maker's mark on the ring, measuring 40.8 mm (w) x 62 mm (h- inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension), with enamel chipping and crazing evident in the white enamels on the arms on obverse and reverse as well as within the jewels at the base of the crown, on mid 20th century ribbon, fair.

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).

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.