NAPOLEON I - Lot 244

NAPOLEON I Laurel head right. Below, ANDRIEU. F. R/. AUSPICE - NEAPOLEONE - GALLIA - RENOVATA. Under the auspices of Napoleon, France regenerated. Legion of Honor insignia on a wreath of laurel and oak. oak and laurel wreath. Underneath, DENON DIR.T and JALEY. F.T. Smooth edge. ♦ Bramsen 310; Essling 1013; Julius 1239 Silver medal by Andrieu, Denon and Jaley 1806. (37.79 g) Ø 39.94 mm Creation of the Legion of Honor. Superb. The national order of the Legion of Honor was created on May 19, 1802 by the First Consul of the Republic, Napoleon Bonaparte. Since its origins, it has rewarded both military personnel and civilians who have rendered "eminent services" to the nation. At first, it was a title without insignia. Napoleon waited until the proclamation of the Empire to institute a jewel, defined by the decree of 22 Messidor An XII (July 11, 1804): "Art. 1er. The decoration for members of the Legion of Honor will consist of a star with five double rays; Art. 2. The center of the star, surrounded by a crown of oak and laurel, will show, on one side, the head of the Emperor, with this legend, Napoleon Emperor of the French, and on the other, the French eagle, holding the thunderbolt, with this legend, honor and country...". The decoration, silver for legionnaires and gold for other ranks, was worn at the buttonhole with a red ribbon.