#55 • French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Post-WWII Fourth / Fifth French Republic

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

High bid $70.00

Status: Sold

French Legion of Honor Medal - Officier - Post-WWII Fourth / Fifth French Repub ic. French Officier (Officer) medal Post WWII-Fourth/Fifth French Republic of the Legion of Honor. This medal was awarded circa 1946-present. Cross diameter 43mm. Medal exhibits no crazing 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: $150 - $200 Historical Background: The National Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur) is France's highest decoration, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It was created to reward the most deserving citizens, both military and civilian, for excellent civil or military conduct and service to the nation. The decoration is one of the most famous in the world and is presented on behalf of the Head of State. The Legion of Honor comprises five classes, with Officier (Officer) being the second level, typically requiring a minimum of eight years in the rank of Chevalier (Knight). The medal itself features a distinctive design, consisting of a five-armed Maltese cross hanging on an oak and laurel wreath, suspended from a red ribbon. The obverse side displays the effigy of the Republic, while the reverse features two tricolor flags surrounded by the motto, "Honneur et Patrie" (Honor and Homeland). The specific medal described, the "French Legion of Honor Medal-Officier - Post WWII-Fourth/Fifth French Republic," indicates a version awarded after World War II, during the period of the Fourth or Fifth French Republics.