#49 • France Order of the Dragon of Annam: Knight

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $110.00

Status: Sold

France Order of the Dragon of Annam: Knight French Indochina Imperial Order Of The Dragon Of Annam, 5th Class (Knight). Medal exhibits crushing with small tears to crown attachment area to medal. Medal also exhibits some peripheral enamel damage to surround on central medallion. Medal is in good condition and presents correct ribbon (wear and slight soiling). Estimate: $200 - $350 Historical Background: The Imperial Order of the Dragon of Annam (Ordre Impérial du Dragon d'Annam) was established on March 14, 1886, by Emperor Đồng Khánh of the Imperial House of Annam in the city of Huế. This order functioned as a jointly awarded French colonial order, upon the recommendation of the President of France. It was intended as an Order of Merit to reward individuals for useful services rendered to the state, the French colonial government, or the Emperor. The order was presented jointly by the President of France and the Emperor of Annam/Vietnam, and eligibility extended to Vietnamese, French, and foreign nationals. The Order of the Dragon of Annam ceased to be awarded in 1945, becoming obsolete. The insignia for the fifth class of the order, which includes the rank of Knight, featured a ribbon bar that varied in color depending on the awarding authority. The Emperor's awards used a red ribbon with gold border stripes, while the President's version used a green ribbon with gold border stripes. Recipients of the order were incorporated into the Đại Nam Long Tinh Viện, a system similar to the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.