France, II Empire. An Order of the Legion of Honour In Gold, Officer Class, c. 1852 Archive marked "M" on the lid

marked "M" on the lid

The interior of the side walls is lined with a beige leather sweatband

44mm (height) x 64

with a double-headed crowned black enameled eagle in gilt bronze

the edges trimmed in a thin white stripe

France, II Empire. An Order of the Legion of Honour In Gold, Officer Class, c. 1852 Archive marked "M" on the lid(Napoleon Empereur des Francais). Instituted in 1802. In silver with white, blue, and green enamels, each of the arms finished with two ball finials, obverse centre shows man with laurel wreath with the inscription Napoleon Empereur des Francais, reverse centre shows eagle surrounded by blue enameled ring with the orders motto Honneur et Patrie, inclusive of crown suspension 61. 2 mm (h) x 40. 2 mm (w), on fine original red ribbon with rosette,