Instituted May 19, 1802. In silver gilt, a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, with sections of a laurel and oak leaf wreath between the arms, the obverse medallion features a right facing portrait of Marianne, surrounded by the blue enamel ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870, the reverse HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the badge is surmounted by a large wreath, measures 63.45mm (w) x 92.05mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension), weighs 28.8 grams including ribbon, worn on original red neck ribbon, silver hallmarked on wreath tassel at 6 o’clock, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.
Contained in its case of issue, a dark red leatherette exterior marked R.F, the interior presents a silk lid marked Arthus Bertrand PARIS, with a partial dark blue recessed velvet medal bed with a section for the ribbon, measures 100mm (w) x 170mm (l) x 40mm (d), interior lid heavily ripped, light scuffing to exterior, in very fine condition.