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

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

Starting at $200.00

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French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Third Republic. French Officier (Officer) medal Third Republic of the Legion of Honor. This medal was awarded circa 1870-1940. Cross diameter 40mm. Medal exhibits no crazing and small chip with loss on arm point of lower obverse to white enamel. Wreath exhibits no visible loss of green enamel. Blue enamel on center medallions exhibit no chipping. Medal presents proper ribbon (slight wear and fading). Estimate: $400 - $500 Historical Background: The French Legion of Honor is France's highest order of merit, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to reward excellent civil or military conduct in the service of the nation. The order is divided into five classes of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and Grand-Croix (Grand Cross). The "Officier" rank, as noted in the title, is the second class in this hierarchy, requiring a minimum of eight years in the rank of Chevalier. The specific medal referenced, "French Legion of Honor Medal-Officier - Third Republic," was awarded during the period following 1870. During the Third French Republic, the badge, a five-armed Maltese cross, saw a modification where the imperial crown was replaced with a laurel and oak wreath. The Third Republic also replaced the date "1870" on the obverse (the side with the effigy of the Republic) of the medal with a star. This decoration was presented on behalf of the Head of State to reward the most deserving citizens and was issued during both World War I and World War II.