France, Iii Republic. An Order Of The Legion Of Honor, Grand Cross In Gold, In Case By Louis Aucoc Fils

(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur). Instituted 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Third Republic (1870-1951) issue. An outstanding sash badge of the order in Gold, consisting of a ball-tipped double-ended five-armed cross in white enamels, with green enamelled oak and laurel branches in each quadrant, surmounted by a highly-detailed green enamel wreath of oak and laurel with ornamented integral ring, obverse centre also in Gold presenting the right facing Marianne bust, encircled by a nice blue enamel ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE 1870 (French Republic 1870), the reverse centre etching by enamelled crossed French flags, surrounded by the inscription HONNEUR ET PATRIE (Honor and Fatherland), on a beautiful blue-enamelling border, French eagle hallmark denoting guarantee Gold of .750 purity between 1847 and 1919 on the ribbon tassel at 6 o’clock, measures 67.22mm (w) x 98.58mm (h – inclusive of integral ball atop wreath suspension), weighs 47.5 grams, minor enamel wear to edges of several arms on obverse and reverse, remains in extremely fine condition. The badge is accompanied by a full length sash.

The Star of the Order, in silver, presenting a five armed faceted Maltese cross with large ball finials and clusters of five smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features the right facing bust of Marianne, surrounded by an inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870 HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the reverse presents a single vertical pin with dual stay, the catch is marked with a boars head denoting .800 silver fineness between 1838-1962, unknown mark on pin, measures 93.3mm (w) x 90.0mm (h), weighs 108.3 grams, toned silver, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in original case of issue, exterior in burgundy leatherette, impressed R.F in gilt, the interior silk lid with maker mark of LOUIS AUCOC FILS GEORGES AUCOC SUCC PARIS, the interior presents a raised section for the star, and an inset section for the sash and badge, two clasps on the exterior front with turning locks, measures 60mm (w) x 283mm (l) x 55mm (d), marks and scuffs to exterior, remains in very fine condition.