France, Second Empire. An Order of the Legion of Honour, Commander in Gold, c.1860

(Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur). II Empire (1852-1870). In 18 K Gold, a large neck badge presenting a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, segments of green enamelled oak and laurel wreath in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting a profile of Luis Napoleon facing right with inscription “NAPOLEON EMPEREUR DES FRANCAIS” in the blue enamel ring surrounding the centerpiece, reverse centerpiece shows an eagle surrounded by blue enamelled ring with the inscription “HONNEUR ET PATRIE”, surmounted by a large crown with eagles, measures 58.98 mm (w) x 88.41 mm (h), weighs 45.33 grams, marked on the ring and on the 6 o’clock tassels with a small eagles mark denoting 750 purity since 1838, enamel cracks in the white arms, chips in the red enamel on the suspension between the cross and crown, worn on a replacement red neck ribbon, remains in extremely fine condition.