(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur). Instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. (1870-1951 Issue). In Gold, a five point Maltese Cross with white enamel arms with ball finials, segments of green enamelled oak and laurel wreaths in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a right facing portrait of Marianne, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870, the reverse medallion features crossed French flags, surrounded by the inscription HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the badge is surmounted by a half laurel half oak leaf wreath with a decorative integral ring and elongated suspension ring, measures 58.6mm (w) x 87.5mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension and integral ring), weighs 42.8 grams, marked with a boars head on the ribbon tassel at 6 o’clock denoting French manufacture post 1838, crack in white enamel of 12 o’clock arm and 5 o’clock arm, and several arms (tip o the 12 o’clock and 4 o’clock obverse, and portion of the reverse 12 o’clock) have been reenamelled, remains in near extremely fine condition.
Accompanied by original neck ribbon and contained in its case of issue, a black leatherette exterior LEGION D’HONNEUR COMMANDEUR, the interior lid is marked LEMOINE FILS 358 Rue St. Honore and E. MAUCLERC PAPETERIE ADMINISTRATIVE 14 Rue de La Monnaie, the medalbed is recessed with a large section for the neck ribbon at the top, measures 105mm (w) x 160mm (l) x 40mm (d), exterior shows evident wear including scuffing and discolouration, hinge and clasp functional, in near very fine condition.