France, Second Empire. An Order of the Legion Honour, Officer in Gold, by Lemoine Fils

Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur, Officier. Second Empire 1852-1870. In Gold with red, white, blue and green enamels, Gold centrepieces, horizontally pierced ball suspension, hallmarked with an eagle’s head on the tip of the ribbon on the reverse denoting Gold manufacture, partial mark on the ring, measuring 38.8 mm (w) x 61.4 mm (h- inclusive of its crown and ball suspension), small enamel cracks and enamel loss on the band of the crown, large rosette on its original ribbon, near extremely fine. 

Contained in its hardshelled case of issue, gilt image of the order on the lid, maker marked "OUIZILLE LEMOINE / LEMOINE FILS, SUCC. Rue Duphot No. 7 PARIS" on the inside lid, recessed medal bed, measures 52 mm (w) x 105 mm (h) x 20 mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, light wear on the exterior, 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).

Provenance: Sold by Spink, Auction 25113, Lot 825, January 2026.