(Ordre de la Légion d'Honneur, Officier). Instituted in 1802. In silver gilt with blue, red, white and green enamels, both centrepieces in Gold, hallmarked with a boar's head on the tip of the ribbon on the reverse, measuring 40.5 mm (w) x 58.3 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, large rosette on its original ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, dark brown pebbled leather exterior, inscribed "R.F." (République Française) in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "Arthus Bertrand & Cis / 40, RUE DE RENNES / PARIS", raised platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in black felt, push release, measuring 62.7 mm (w) x 118.8 mm (h) x 31.5 mm (d), light wear and scuffing on the exterior, case better than very 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).