(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, Chevalier). Instituted in 1802. An elaborate and emphasized awards, in silver with white, blue, red and green enamels, Gold centrepieces, hallmarked twice on the reverse with a boar's head (denoting French manufacture of 900 silver, post 1838) on the laurel tassels and on the base of the wreath, measuring 43 mm (w) x 66.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the red and white enamels on one flag on the reverse centrepiece, along with the leafing on both sides of the wreath, original ribbon, 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).

