Sep Ancient Art & Paintings & Collectibles
Lot 230:
Description
11.2*5.7cmWt:43. 1g
At the centre of the obverse of the medal stands Marianne, the female figure symbolising the French Republic. The inscription in French on the band of blue enamel encircling the portrait reads: REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1870. The medal body is a white-enamelled five-pointed Maltese star. Encircling its split points is a wreath of oak and laurel leaves rendered in green enamel. The split star points draw inspiration from the form of the Maltese Cross and the medal designs of France’s ancien r??gime chivalric orders. The upper section of each star point is also decorated with interwoven oak and laurel leaves in green enamel.At the centre of the medal’s reverse are two crossed French national flags. The surrounding French inscription reads: HONNEUR ET PATRIE (Honour and Fatherland).Established in 1802 by Napoleon, then First Consul, to replace the noble title system of the old feudal monarchy, it is France’s highest state decoration. It stands as the symbol of French military and civilian distinction and ranks among the world’s most renowned orders. The L??gion d’honneur is an honorific organisation embracing military personnel and civilians who have rendered outstanding service to the French Republic; the L??gion d’honneur medal is the emblem of honour and prestige for its members.
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