France, Second Empire. A Legion D'honneur In Gold, Officer, C.1860

Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur, Officier. Second Empire 1852-1870. In Gold with red, white, blue and green enamels, Gold centrepieces, weighing 19 grams, horizontally pierced ball suspension, hallmarked with a boar's head on the tip of the ribbon on the reverse, maker marked "O.L" (Ouizille Lemoine) on the ring, measuring 42 mm (w) x 64 mm (h) inclusive of its crown and ball suspension, intact enamels, large rosette on its original ribbon, extremely fine. Accompanied by its dual prong pinback, 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, light wear on the exterior, sticker numbered "43" placed over the worn fabric on the inside lid, 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).