France, V Republic. A Legion of Honour, Commander with Case, c. 1970

(Legion D’Honneur). Instituted in 1802. A silver gilt commander’s badge, featuring a five armed white Maltese Cross with ball finials, a wreath of half oak leaves and half laurel leaves is between the arms of the cross, the central medallion features a silver gilt right facing portrait of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE (French Republic), the reverse medallion presents crossed French flags surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE (Honor and Fatherland) and 29 FLOREAL AN X (29th Floreal Year Ten), the badge is suspended from a large green enamel oak and laurel wreath, measures 61.19mm (w) x 85.70mm (h – inclusive of wreath and integral ball), weighs 57.3 grams (excluding ribbon), a French crab guarantee mark denoting silver fineness of .800 on the reverse ribbon tassels at 6 o’clock, worn on an original red neck ribbon, small chips in white enamel arms, replacement suspension ring and ribbon loop, scattered gilt wear, staining to blue enamel, near very fine condition. Contained it it’s hardshell case of issue, composed of wood and red leatherette, exterior lid stamped LEGION D’HONNEUR COMMANDEUR, interior features a dark blue medalbed and silk lid lining, measures 92.08mm (w) x 162mm (h) x 42.20mm (d), hinge and catch in working order, small contact marks to exterior, small cracks to front corners, very fine condition.