Hello Guy and zitocland,
Thank you!
I now realize that my post was not deleted, just moved from the section I posted it in first, to the "new members" section.
Thank you very much for the links! It is such a beautiful award.
So, I've read these links and I understand a lot more about the LoH now. I know which type was awarded during the 2nd Empire under Napoleon III.
However, I still don't know this:
Is it possible to tell a wartime (July-September 1870) piece, from a pre-war piece, or a Crimean piece? (For example some other decorations add crossed swords to denote a combat award, or there are other small signs or marks to indicate period of manufacture).
Another way to ask the same question: Are there any differences at all between a LoH Knight's Cross awarded in May 1870, and one awarded in August 1870?
Merci, encore, pour votre aide!
Trévor