France, III Republic. An Order of the Legion of Honour, Commander in Gold, c. 1900
(Legion D’honneur). In 18K Gold, a five armed white enamel cross with ball finials, segments of laurel and oak leaf wreath between the arms, the obverse medallion presents the right facing profile of Marianne, surrounded by the blue enamel ring REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870, the reverse medallion presents crossed French flags, encircled by the inscription HONNEUR ET PATRIE in a blue ring, the cross is surmounted by a half laurel, half oak wreath, measures 59.0mm (w) x 88.9mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension and integral ring), weighs 45.4 grams, marked on the loop and at 6 o’clock with an eagle’s head denoting French manufacture, worn on a replacement red neck ribbon, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.