France, July Monarchy. An Order Of The Legion Of Honneur, Iv Officer, C.1835

(Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur). Instituted in 1802. (1830-1848). In silver, a white enamel Maltese cross with ball finials, green enamelled laurel and oak leaf wreath segments in each quadrant, the obverse central medallion in Gold features a rightward facing effigy of Henri I surrounded in a blue enamel ring inscribed HENRI VI, 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 royal crown with red and green enamelling, measures 37.65mm (w) x 58.90mm (h – including crown suspension), weighs 16.1 grams (including ribbon), silver hallmark at 6 o’clock on the ribbon tassel donating Paris manufacture from 1819-1838, and a Dutch import “V’ mark denoting “Vreemd”, worn on a replacement ribbon, small crack to 9 o’clock white enamel obverse arm otherwise intact, green enamel to wreath is chipping and worn, gilt wear on crown, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Legion of Honour was proposed by Napoleon Bonaparte to the First Council, to create a reward to commend civilians and soldiers who had served the Republic, promoted republican principles and French interests. The Legion would ensure political loyalty and unity among the new French Republic. During the July Monarchy, Type IV, the crosses were surmounted by a movable crown. The crown has eight half-arches, and a small cross on top. Medallions may feature a large or small facing-right portrait of Henri IV on the obverse and enameled crossed French flags on the reverse. They depicted ball finials.