France, Third Republic. An Order of the Legion of Honour, Commander in Gold, by Lemoine, c.1900

(Honneur et Patrie). Instituted in 1802. In 18 karat gold 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, the obverse central medallion in Gold features a rightward facing effigy of Marianne surrounded in a blue enamel ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870, the reverse central medallion in Gold presents crossed flags surrounded in a blue enamel ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the badge is suspended from a green enamelled wreath, measures 56.8 mm (w) x 85.2 mm (h), marked with an eagle head denoting gold manufacture between 1870-1919, weighs 39.5 grams, accompanied by a modern red neck ribbon, enamel cracks and chips throughout arms, in obverse blue enamel inscription ring, and on surmounting wreath, remains in very fine condition. 

Accompanied by its original case of issue, a black leatherette case marked LEGION D’HONNEUR COMMANDEUR on the lid, interior in silk marked LEMOINE FILS denoting manufacturer, with velvet recessed medalbed and section for ribbon, measures 95mm (w) x 160 mm (h) x 30 mm (d), wear to exterior, clasp functional, in better than fine condition.