French Legion of Honour Knight Cross Third Republic 1870 Silver Enamel Medal
Croix de Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur - Knight's Cross of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour, Third Republic type. France's highest order of merit, originally established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. This design was adopted in 1870 following the fall of the Second Empire, replacing the imperial eagle with Republican imagery. The five-pointed star is struck in silver with white enamel arms, green enamel oak and laurel clusters between the arms, and a gilt central medallion surrounded by a blue enamel ring. The obverse bears the profile of Marianne wearing a Phrygian cap, encircled by "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" and the date "1870". The reverse shows crossed French tricolour flags with the motto "HONNEUR ET PATRIE" on the blue enamel ring. Suspended from a green enamel laurel wreath and red moiré ribbon. Circa: 1870-1951 (Third Republic type). This design remained in production from 1870 through the Fourth Republic without significant change. Without visible hallmarks or maker marks, individual dating is not possible. The style of construction, tarnish patina, and enamel wear are consistent with an early-to-mid 20th century piece. Condition: Used. The green enamel on the suspension wreath has noticeable chips and losses, with bare metal visible in several areas. The white enamel on the star arms is largely intact with minor surface wear. The blue enamel motto ring is complete and legible on both sides. The gilt central medallions show rubbing consistent with handling but both the Marianne profile and crossed flags remain clear. The silver metal has an uncleaned tarnish patina throughout. The red ribbon is intact with slight age fading. No visible repairs or modern replacements. Please review all five photos for condition detail. Details: Five-pointed silver star with ball-tipped finials White enamel arms, green enamel oak/laurel clusters Obverse: Marianne in Phrygian cap, "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE 1870" Reverse: Crossed tricolour flags, "HONNEUR ET PATRIE" Green enamel laurel wreath suspension Red moiré ribbon, plain (Knight grade, no rosette) No visible hallmarks or maker marks Approximately 40mm wide, 58mm tall including wreath Notes: No silver hallmarks (boar's head or Minerva) are visible on the suspension ring or wreath. Official French mint pieces typically carry these marks; their absence may indicate a jeweller-made piece ("fabrication bijoutier") rather than Paris Mint production, or simply that any marks have worn away. The construction quality, enamel type, and wear pattern are consistent with a genuine period piece rather than a modern reproduction. Sold as shown without case, award document, or provenance. An honest example of France's most prestigious decoration, priced to reflect the condition and the absence of hallmarks. A good entry-level piece for collectors of French phaleristics. Packed carefully and dispatched same day from the UK. Explore more vintage French militaria, medals and collectibles in our store, The Voyage Bird.