#24 • French Order of Saint Louis - Chevalier

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

High bid $650.00

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 35mm. Medal exhibits some slight crazing and imperfections to white enamel. Dark blue enamel on center medallions exhibit some chipping and imperfections. Medal presents proper ribbon (slight wear and fading). Estimate: $800 - $1200 Historical Background: The Order of Saint Louis, or Ordre de Saint-Louis, was a French dynastic order of chivalry established by King Louis XIV on April 5, 1693. It was one of the first military orders that could be awarded to non-nobles, provided they were military officers of the Catholic faith with over ten years of service. The award was given for exceptional merit, and its motto was "Bellicæ virtutis præmium" (Latin for 'the reward of warring valor'). The ribbon of the order was bright red. The rank of "Chevalier," as listed in the user's table, was the simplest rank within the order, allowing the recipient to engrave a cross of the order attached by a small, knotted flame-colored ribbon at the base of their escutcheon. Although officially abolished by the French government in 1830 following the July Revolution, the order was briefly reinstated by Louis XVIII and continued its activities as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. The Order of Saint Louis was considered equivalent to the Order of Military Merit, which was awarded to non-Catholics. It was meant to reward the valor of Catholic military officers in service to the King of France.