(Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur). Instituted in 1802. (1870-1951). In Gold, a French made officers cross, presenting a white enamel Maltese cross with ball finials, green enamelled laurel and oak leaf wreath segments in each quadrant, the obverse central medallion in Gold features a rightward facing effigy of Marianne surrounded in a blue enamel ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870, the reverse central medallion in Gold presents crossed flags surrounded in a blue enamel ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the badge is suspended from a green enamelled wreath, measures 40.6mm (w) x 58.7mm (h – inclusive of integral ball on wreath suspension), weighs 21.0 grams (including ribbon), marked on ribbon tassels with boars head denoting French manufacture post 1838, partial French makers mark on integral ring on 12 o’clock arm, areas of enamel damage on wreath, worn on original faded ribbon with a two pronged pin on the end, with large central rosette, remains in extremely fine condition.
Contained in its original case of issue, in brown leatherette exterior inscribed LEGION D’HONNEUR CHEVALIER, the interior with a red velvet medal bed and white silk lid, measures 64mm (w) x 114mm (h) x 30mm (d), light wear to exterior corners, in very fine condition.