(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, Officier). Instituted in 1802. In Gold with white, blue, red and green enamels, Gold centrepieces, weighing 16.9 grams, hallmarked with an eagle's head on the laurel tassels on the reverse, measuring 40 mm (w) x 59.3 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, both sides exhibiting very light crazing in the white enamels of the arms, small chip evident in the green enamels at the base of the wreath on the reverse, large rosette on its original ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, black pebbled exterior, marked "LEGION D'HONNEUR - OFFICIER" on the lid, maker marked "LEMOINE Fils" and "MARTIN BESSON" on the white satin inside lid, white felt recessed medal bed, push release catch, single-hinged, measuring 52 mm (w) x 105 mm (h) x 25 mm (h), wear spot evident on the white satin inside lid and light soiling on the white felt of the medal bed, 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)