France, Third Republic. A Legion D'Honneur, Knight, c.1917
1870-1951. In silver with red, white, blue and green enamels, Gold centrepieces, hallmarked with an eagle's head on the tip of the ribbon on the obverse, measuring 39.8 mm (w) x 60 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and ball suspension, original ribbon suspended from a bar with ball finials at either end, chipping evident on the tips of the white enamelled arms on both sides, 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). (C:102)

