Good Afternoon

Let me introduce a topic about the different badges of the Legion of honour, from the Second Republic (1848) to the Second Empire.

Actually, there are many confusions about certain of these badges which are sometimes (intentionnaly or not) presented as from Napoleon era.


Here are three main badges of that period. There are many other variations, of course, but all from these three main bodies :



Between 1848 and 1852, there were three decrees describing in details the shape of the badge :

- The decree of 12 september 1848 instituted the centre of the medallion with the head of BONAPARTE with the legend "BONAPARTE 1er CONSUL - 19 MAI 1802". This is the model of "the Second Republic".

- The decree of 31 december 1851 added an imperial crown as a mounting and the napoleonic eagle is anew on the reverse centre. Note that one can find some observe medaillion with "NAPOLEON EMP. DES FRANCAIS" (Napoleon emperor of the French). This is globally the same model than the 4th type of the 1st Empire. Therefore, it could be a lot of confusion. In any cases, the goldsmith punch will give the best indication. This is the model called "Présidence".

- The decree of 1st febrary 1852 confirmed the reestablishment of the former model of the Empire, with a very caracteristic crown with eagles, and the mention "EMPEREUR" on the centre in full text (instead of "EMP."). This is the model called "Second Empire", although the imperial regime was instituted ten month after this decree !

Second Republic model : (Punch "boar head" on the observe at 6.00)



Model "Présidence" : (Punch "boar head" on the cross of the crown, punch "hare head" on the reverse at 6.00)



Model Second Empire : (Punch "boar head" on reverse at 6.00)




Examples of French goldsmith punches :
- boar head : silver from 1838 to the 80's
- hare head : silver from 1819 to 1838

That's all falks ! For today, I mean.

Regards

Bison