Order of the Legion of Honour, Type IX, Grand Officer Breast Star

SKU: 01.FRA.0109.904.01

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  • Order of the Legion of Honour, Type IX, Grand Officer Breast Star

Attributes

  • country
    France
  • date of institution
    May 19, 1802
  • remarks
    The Order of the Legion of Honour has a convoluted history, and since its foundation has been one of the most prominent orders in Europe. There is a great deal of variation of these Order; the following variables may be encountered: size; composition; manufacturer; medallion; inscription punctuation; surmounting crown or wreath; enameled wreath suspension. The estimated price for the Order is based on the rarity, lifespan, and conservation of the piece. It is recommended that hallmarks be consulted for precise dating, although it should be cautioned that some examples which escaped correct period stamping may bear hallmarks of a later period. It must also be noted that there are many hybrid versions, which may have crowns, crosses and medallions of different types. Most hybrids were created in the 19th century, when many official changes were made to the design of the Order.

History


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First Republic, the orders of Saint Michael, of Holy Spirit, and of Mount Carmel and Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem were rescinded.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. The Legion was the first European Order that was created as an Order of Merit, based on the principle of equality of birth, and which was open to individuals of all ranks and professions; only merit or bravery counted.

The Legion of Honour was proposed by Napoleon Bonaparte to the First Council, to create a reward to commend civilians and soldiers who had served the Republic, promoted republican principles and French interests. The Legion would ensure political loyalty and unity among the new French Republic.

The first decorations were conferred in the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1804. They were awarded to French military personnel, wounded, and civilians who had served to the Republic cause during the Revolution period (1789-1798). On August 19, 1804 Napoleon awarded the Order by second time to Officers who were in command of the army gathered in Boulogne; around 2000 crosses were awarded that day.

Since its foundation, the reverse inscription has stood "HONNEUR ET PATRIE,” which translates to “Honour and Fatherland.” However the obverse inscription has changed as a reflect of the political changes in France throughout its convoluted history.

Nowadays, it is the most prestigious decoration awarded within France.

Following the usual classification, in MB the Legion is divided into ten Types according to its design changes. Type I includes all the models of the First Empire (1804-1813); Type II includes the decorations of the First Restoration and the Hundred Days (1814-1815); Type III includes the Legion during the Second Restoration (1816-1830); Type IV includes the Legion during the July Monarchy (1830-1848); Type V consists of the decoration of the Second Republic (1848-1851); Type VI consists of “La Presidence” model (1851-1852); Type VII consists of the decoration during the Second Empire (1852-1870); Type VIII, IX, and X consists of the decoration of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Republics, respectively.

During the Fourth Republic, Type IX, the badge is surmounted by a green enameled laurel and oak wreath. The obverse medallion depicted the head of Marianne facing-right, the symbol of the French Republic, surrounded by the legend République Française (French Republic). The reverse medallion with crossed French flags, surrounded by the Légion's motto Honneur et Patrie.

The star is worn by the Grand Cross and the Grand Officer; it is similar to the badge, but without enamel, and with cluster of rays in between each arm. The central medallion features the head of Marianne, surrounded by the legend République Française (French Republic) and the motto Honneur et Patrie.

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Versions

  • Price

    $550 USD

  • Composition

    Silver

  • Inscription

    Obv: REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE HONNEUR ET PATRIE

  • Size

    89-91mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    c.1870-1945

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