France, Republic. A Decoration of the Fidelity, c.1805

(Decoration de la fidelite). Instituted in 1815. Type I. A silver, white-enamelled, five-pointed star, tipped by silver ball finials, the obverse centre presents the bust of King Louis XVIII, surrounded by a ring of black enamel, inscribed FIDELITE DEVOUMENT, the reverse centre presents a fleur de lys, bordered by a ring of black enamel, inscribed 12 AVRIL 3 MAI 1814 19 MARS 8 JUILLET 1815, measuring 29.38 mm (w) x 46.99 mm (h - inclusive of crown), with a royal crown surmounting a fleur de lys suspension, hallmarked on ring for silver guarantee used between 1798-1809 on loop for suspension from replacement ribbon, and in extremely fine condition.