#23 • French Order of Saint Louis - Chevalier

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

High bid $500.00

Status: Sold

French Order of Saint Louis - Chevalier. French Chevalier (Knight) Order of Saint Louis medal. This medal was awarded to military officers of Catholic faith with over 10 years of service for exceptional merit. Medal was awarded from 1693 thru 1830. Cross diameter 29mm. Medal exhibits some crazing and imperfections to white enamel. Dark blue enamel on center medallions exhibit some slight chipping and imperfections. Medal presents variant ribbon (slight wear and fading). Estimate: $800 - $1200 Historical Background: The Order of Saint Louis (Ordre de Saint-Louis) was a French dynastic order of chivalry established by King Louis XIV on April 5, 1693. It was intended to recognize exceptional merit among military officers of the Catholic faith who had served for over 10 years, including non-nobles. It shared a bright red ribbon with the later Legion of Honour and was considered its predecessor by the authorities of the French Republic. The order’s motto was Bellicæ virtutis præmium, which is Latin for "the reward of warring valor." The Order of Saint Louis had three classes: Grand-Croix (Grand Cross), Commandeur (Commander), and Chevalier (Knight). The "Chevalier" class, specifically, permitted simple knights to paint or engrave a cross of the order attached by a little knotted flame-colored ribbon at the base of their escutcheon. Although officially abolished by the July Revolution in 1830, the Order's activities continued as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family, with the King serving as the Grand Master.