France, I Empire. An Order of the Legion of Honour, Officer in Gold, c.1808

(Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur). Instituted in 1802. Type I (1806-1808). In Gold, a beautiful Legion of honour with five with enamelled Maltese arms, the green enamelled laurel and oak leaf wreath in each quadrant are crisp, the central medallion features a right facing profile of Napoleon, surrounded on a blue enamelled ring inscribed NAPOLEON EMP. DES FRANCOIS, the reverse medallion features a left facing eagle with outstretched wings surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the badge is surmounted by a richly detailed crown with red and green enamel details, marked on the striated ring with a rooster head denoting Paris manufacture from 1809-1819, measures 38.80 mm (w) x 58.00 mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned surmounting crown), weighs 21.91 grams, worn on a replacement ribbon with rosette, small chip evident on reverse of 12 o’clock arm, otherwise, minor enamel wear to the tips of several arms, loss of red enamel to the obverse of the crown band, striated ring bent, an award rarely found in such extremely fine condition.