France - Military medal - LEGION OF HONOR knight model, Type 1. First Empire.

APOLEONE - Napoléon - Napoleon LEGIONE D’ONORE- LEGION D’HONNEUR- LEGION OF HONOR Description: knight’s model 1st type. The First Empire. June 11, 1804. The star measures 35 mm in diameter. The center, in two assembled parts, presents on the obverse the laureated effigy facing right of the Emperor with in the exergue gold letters in a blue enamel crown "Napoléon Emp. des Français"; on the reverse an eagle with its head turned to the left that clasps in its talons the lightning bolts and in the exergue the inscription "Honneur et Patrie" in a crown blue enamel. The laurel branches of the crown are on the left and those of oak on the right, both enamelled green. The original model, presumably manufactured by Chaillot, is extremely rare and has a stouter appearance. The more refined variant (as this), manufactured by Halbout, features the angle of the points at 90° (adopted later by all subsequent models up to the Second Empire). This is a rare piece and highly sought after by collectors, especially in the condition of this specimen. Excellent condition. Readable inscriptions. Very light enamel chipping as in the photo. Authenticated. Provenance ex Le Louvre des Antiquaires, Paris. (Tradition Magazine no. 25 - Napoleon et ses soldats de Wagram a Waterloo - Paul Willing - Collection historiques du Musée de l’Armée)

Estimation:€1,900

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