France, 5Th Republic. A Legion Of Honour, Officer’s Cross, C.1970

(Legion D’Honneur). Instituted in 1802. Type X (1962-). In 18k Gold, an Officer’s Cross, featuring a five armed white Maltese Cross with ball finials, a wreath of half oak leaves and half laurel leaves is between the arms of the cross, the central medallion features a right facing portrait of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE (French Republic), the reverse medallion presents crossed French flags surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE (Honor and Fatherland) and 29 FLOREAL AN X (29th Floreal Year Ten), the badge is suspended from a large green enamel oak and laurel wreath, measures 40.3mm (w) x 59.5mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension and integral ball), weighs 31.5 grams (including ribbon), worn on the original ribbon with large rosette, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: During the First Republic, the orders of Saint Michael, of Holy Spirit, and of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem were rescinded. Since then, France was devoid of any system of awards or honors.