France, Third Republic. A Legion of Honour in Gold, Officer’s Cross, VII Type, c. 1915

(Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur). First instituted May 19th, 1802. VII Type. (c. 1915 issue). An award of fine craftsmanship, constructed of 18 karat Gold and delicately executed blue, red, white, and green enamels, consisting of a five-pointed star with dual ball finials, with a green enameled laurel and oak wreath in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a round central Gold medallion showing the profile of Marianne facing right, with the inscription “Republique Francaise 1870” (Republic of France) in capital Gold lettering within a blue enameled ring, the reverse similar in construction, with a round central Gold medallion bearing dual enameled French flags surrounded by a blue-enameled ring with the inscription “Honneur et Patrie” (Honour and Country), suspended from a swivel green enameled oak and laurel wreath with red enameled berries, with its period original ribbon bearing a large rosette, unmarked, measuring 40.3 mm (w) x 59.9 mm (l), weighing 22.96 grams, with some light chipping to the enamels in the blue rings and the laurel/oak wreathes, in overall near extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The award was instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It is the highest French order of merit and is awarded for eminent service to the nation, civilian or military, in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.