BACKGROUND: Established by Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802, the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur was awarded for outstanding military or civilian service to France. With at least a dozen changes to the medal, as it has survived the Empire, restoration of the Monarchy and five Republics, the last 200 years of French political history can be traced. The order has five classes, Grand-Croix (Grand Cross), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Officier (Officer) and Chevalier (Knight). Of Note: the 3rd Republic medal was issued from the period 1870 to 1951.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The medal is in the form of a five pointed, white enamel, Maltese cross with a green enamel laurel and oak leaf wreath between the arms. To each of the points of the cross are silver ball finials. To the center of both the obverse and reverse are gilt medallions with blue enamel borders. To the obverse medallion is embossed the profiled head of Marianne, surrounded by the text in the border "Republique Française" and the date "1870". The reverse medallion features crossed enamel tricolor flags surrounded by the motto in the border "Honneur et patrie" (Honour and Fatherland). To the top is a swivel mounted green enameled laurel and oak leaf wreath with a ribbon ring to its top. The red moire ribbon with rosette, is threaded though the suspension ring. Included, is the hinged case with white silk lined lid and velvet lined bottom. The case measures approximately 2.5cm x 7cm x 12cm. Note the medal has 18k gold plating.