France, Iii Republic. An Order Of The Legion Of Honour, Iii Class Commander Case, C.1900

(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, Légionnaire). Instituted in 1802. Hardshelled with a wooden frame, dark brown simulated cracked leather covering on the exterior, embossed and inscribed "LÉGION D'HONNEUR COMMANDEUR" in gold-coloured ink on the lid, maker marked "Louis AUCOC FILS GEORGES AUCOC SUCCr FABRICANT JOAILLIER BIJOUTIER 9.RUE DU 4 SEPTEMBRE PARIS" on the white satin inside lid, raised platform with a violet velvet medal bed, the hinge discreetly hidden under the exterior covering, push release, measuring 91.5 mm (w) x 158 mm (h) x 40 mm (h), light scuffing and wear on the exterior, wear in the fabric overlying the hinged area, case very fine.

Footnote: The Legion of Honour (AKA National Order of the Legion of Honour) is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte. The order's motto is "Honneur et Patrie" ("Honour and Fatherland") and its seat is the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur next to the Musée d'Orsay, on the left bank of the River Seine in Paris. The order is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross).