France, Second Empire. An Order of the Legion of Honour, Reduced Size Knight, in Gold, c. 1870

 (Honneur et Patrie). Instituted in 1802. Second Empire. (1852-1870). In Gold, a  lovely reduced size knight featuring a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, green enamelled wreath segments in each quadrant, the obverse medallion featuring a right facing profile of Napoleon encircled by a blue enamel ring inscribed NAPOLEON EMPEREUR DES FRANCAIS, the reverse medallion features an eagle with outspread wings, encircled by a blue enamel ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, surmounted by a crown with an eagle in each arch and enamel details around the band, measures 22.9 mm (w) x 35.5 mm (h), weighs 8.22 grams, worn on a replacement red ribbon, small cracks to the corners of several arms, remains in extremely fine condition.