#28 • French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Second Republic

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

High bid $650.00

Status: Sold

French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Second Republic. French Officier (Officer) medal Second Republic of the Legion of Honor in gold. This medal was awarded circa 1848-1851. Cross diameter 37mm. Medal exhibits wear with slight cracks and crazing to white enamel on arms (both obverse and reverse). Wreath exhibits minimal loss of green enamel. Blue enamel on center medallions exhibits chips with losses on reverse medallion. Medal presents proper ribbon (wear and soiling and exhibits modern Velcro strip for display attachment). Estimate: $1000 - $1200 Historical Background: The French Legion of Honor Medal-Officier is a mid-level rank within the National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The order is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross). Recipients of the Officier rank are typically required to have served a minimum number of years in the rank of Chevalier before being promoted. The order is awarded for excellent civil or military conduct and is regulated by the "Code of the Legion of Honour and of the Military Medal." The specific designation "Second Republic" refers to the period in French history between 1848 and 1852. During this time, the Legion of Honour continued as a prestigious award, though the insignia and regulations often reflected the changing political climate. On December 2, 1851, President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état, and one year later, established himself as Emperor of the French, marking the end of the Second Republic and the beginning of the Second French Empire. Medals dated from the Second Republic era reflect the characteristics of the order prior to the modifications made under the Empire.