France, La Presidence. A Legion of Honour, Reduced Size Officer, c. 1850

(Honneur et Patrie). Instituted in 1802. Type VI. La Presidence (1851-1852). A reduced size officer, in silver, with Gold centerpieces, with white, blue, and green enamels, five-pointed star in white enamel surrounded by green-enamelled laurel wreath, each of the arms finished with two finials, obverse centrepiece shows the profile of Napoleon with the inscription “NAPOLEON EMP. DES. FRANCAIS” in blue-enamelled ring, reverse centrepiece shows imperial eagle facing right surrounded by blue enamelled ring with the inscription “HONNEUR ET PATRIE”, measures 33.8 mm (w) x 52.5 mm (h), weighs 12.48 grams (with ribbon), marked on the 6 o’clock tassel with a boar’s head, denoting french manufacture post 1838 and silver composition, worn on original ribbon with rosette, enamel chips to the tips of the rays and reverse medallion inscription ring, dark patina, very fine.