#10 • French Legion of Honor Medal: Chevalier - 1st Empire - 1st Model Variant

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

High bid $550.00

Status: Sold

French Legion of Honor Medal: Chevalier - 1st Empire. French Chevalier (Knight) medal 1st Empire (1st Model-variant) of the Legion of Honor. This medal was only awarded from May 1804 until February 1805 and properly lacks the crown on the medal attachment. Cross diameter 36.1mm. Medal exhibits heavy wear with surface abrasions and enamel damage with loss on arms and extensive lesser quality repairs and conservation to arms. Wreath exhibits green enamel loss with poor repairs and obverse central medallion exhibits some chipping and loss, with small losses to enamel of medallion on reverse. Medal presents proper ribbon (faded newer replacement). Estimate: $500 - $900 Historical Background: The French Legion of Honor is France's highest distinction, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France. The medal in question, the "French Legion of Honor Medal-Chevalier -1st Empire-Early Type," refers to the decoration given during the First French Empire, which began in May 1804. The early versions of the medal, specifically the first model that lasted from May 1804 to February 1805, did not hang from a crown or wreath. The establishment of this order was intended to reward both soldiers and scholars, laying down the dual principle of service to the nation and the universality of the decoration, a concept that was one of the first modern orders of merit. The Legion of Honor is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction, with Chevalier (Knight) being the lowest degree. The Chevalier rank typically requires a minimum of 20 years of public service or 25 years of professional activity with distinguished merits. This early type of the medal signifies an award made shortly after the order's official establishment and the founding of the empire. As the highest decoration in France, the Legion of Honor is presented on behalf of the Head of State to the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity.