France, First Republic. An Order of Saint Louis in Gold, Knight, c.1800

(Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis). Instituted in 1693. In 18 karat Gold, a four armed white enameled Maltese cross with ball finials, and a Gold fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting an enameled standing figure of a caped St. Louis on a red enamel background, encircled in a blue enamel ring inscribed LUD. MAG. INST. 1693., reverse medallion features a sword and green enamel wreath on a red field, surrounded by a blue ring inscribed BELL VIRTUTIS PRAEM, marked on reverse 10 o'clock fleur-de-lis with an indecipherable Gold mark, measures 36.7 mm (h) x 37.1 mm (w), weighs 13.67 grams including ribbon, worn on a red ribbon, enamel chip on the obverse 6 o’clock arm, as well as obverse and reverse blue enamel ring, suspension broken/removed at 12 o'clock, remains in near extremely fine condition. Accompanied by its miniature in silver gilt, marked with a boar's head on the rim, worn on original ribbon with large rosette, measuring 8.30 mm (h) x 6.60 mm (w), very fine. Housed in a red hard shell case, red felt interior, staining on the exterior, hinge and clasp functional, the case is of a later time period than the Orders, remains in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal Order of St. Louis was founded by Louis XIV on April 5, 1693. Estimates place the number of decorations awarded between 1693-1792 between 34000-35000. From 1792-1814 an estimated 2500 decorations were awarded and from 1815-1830 an estimated 20800 were awarded.