France, Empire. An Order Of Saint Louis For Catholic Officers, Knight's Badge, C.1815

(Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis, Chevalier). Instituted in 1693. In Gold with red, white, blue and green enamels, weighing 12.8 grams, hallmarked with a left-facing rooster on the ornate floral suspension on the reverse, marked with a cornucopia on the reverse of the fleur de lis between the arms at 12 and 3 o'clock, measuring 36.5 mm (w) x 40.2 mm (h), chipping and/or crazing evident in the white enamels on the arms on both sides, with its original folded ribbon which has separated from the award, very fine.

Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis is a dynastic order of chivalry founded April 5, 1693 by King Louis XIV, named after Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. By the authorities of the French Republic, it is considered a predecessor of the Legion of Honour, with which it shares the red ribbon (though the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike). Although officially abolished by the government authorities of the July Revolution in 1830 following the French Revolution, its activities carried on as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. As such, it is still recognized by the International Commission on Orders of Chivalry. The King was the Grand Master of the order, and the Dauphin was automatically a member as well. The Order had three classes: Grand Cross (Grand-Croix), Commander (Commandeur) and Knight (Chevalier).