France, I Empire. An Early Order Of The Legion Of Honour, Knight, C.1806

(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur). Instituted in 1802. Type I (1804-1806). A very early knight, featuring a white enamelled five arm Maltese cross with green enamel wreath in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a large Napoleon bust facing right, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed NAPOLEON EMP. DES FRANCAIS, the reverse medallion features a left facing eagle with outstretched wings encircled by a blue enamelled ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the ring is hallmarked with a fasces denoting Paris manufacture between 1809-1819, measures 36.03mm (w) x 39.55mm (h – inclusive of the integral ring, weighs 11.4 grams (inclusive of ribbon), worn on a section of original ribbon, light enamel wear to arms and notable chip on reverse 4 o’clock arm, and a small chip in blue enamel ring at 12 o’clock, a lovely and early decoration, very rare to be in such extremely fine condition for a first empire decoration.

Footnote: During the First Republic, the orders of Saint Michael, of Holy Spirit, and of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem were rescinded. Since then, France was devoid of any system of awards or honors. On 19 May 1802, the Legion of Honour was established by a vote of the First Council who approved the formation of the Legion, 166 votes against 110. In Type I, the versions between 1804-1806 have neither crown nor wreath suspension.