#45 • French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Third Republic

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

Starting at $200.00

Status: No sale

French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Third Republic. French Officier (Officer) medal Third Republic of the Legion of Honor in silver. This medal was awarded circa 1870-1940. Cross diameter 41mm. Medal exhibits no crazing to white enamel. Wreath exhibits no visible loss of green enamel. Blue enamel on center medallions (both obverse and reverse) exhibit chips with some repairs. Medal presents proper ribbon (slight wear). Reverse of ribbon presents small (24mm diameter) pin of the SLdH. Estimate: $400 - $500 Historical Background: The National Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is France's highest order of merit, established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, to reward both military personnel and civilians for excellent conduct. 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). The "Officier" rank, which is the subject of the medal mentioned, is the second rank in the order, typically requiring a minimum of 8 years in the rank of Chevalier before promotion. The specific "French Legion of Honor Medal-Officier - Third Republic" refers to the insignia awarded during the period of the Third French Republic (1870–1940). While the core design of the Legion of Honour has remained consistent, the specific version of the insignia often changes slightly across the various French republics and empires, particularly in the suspension or the central medallion, to reflect the current government. The Officier badge is worn suspended from a rosette on the left breast, distinguishing it from the lower rank of Chevalier (worn on a plain ribbon) and higher ranks.