France, II Empire. A Legion D'Honneur, Knight c.1860

(Legion D'Honneur). Instituted 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. 1852-1870 issue. An exceptional Second Empire Knight’s model, consisting of a white enameled five-pointed star with ball finials in silver, featuring surrounded green enameled laurel and oak wreath in each quadrant, obverse centre in Gold (weighting 18K) exhibiting a facing-right portrait of Napoleon, encircled by a blue enameled border inscribed NAPOLEON EMPEREUR DES FRANCAIS (Napoleon Emperor of the French People), reverse centre also in Gold depicting an heraldic Eagle encircled by the inscription HONNEUR ET PATRIE (Honor and Fatherland), crowned by Napoleonic Crown consisting of standing eagles beneath of oak leaves, presenting French hallmark denoting silver fineness of .800, measuring 41.30 mm (w) x 62.22 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), with lost of enamels, minor cracked white enamels, and some bent ball finials, accompanied by original frayed red ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Legion of Honour has a convoluted history, and since its foundation has been one of the most important orders in Europe. It was founded at recommendation of Napoleon Bonaparte, due to France was devoid of any system of awards or honors since the Orders of Saint Michael, of Holy Spirit, and of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem had been rescinded by the First Council post-revolution. The Legion of Honour was created an Order of Merit that would follow the principles of equality, fraternity, and freedom of the Republic.