Lot of 3 Original Orders & Medals – Italy & France – Officer & Knight Grades
Includes: Italy Order of Merit (Officer), France Order of Liberation, France Legion of Honour (“HENRI IV” Obverse)
A distinguished set of three original European decorations from Italy and France, showcasing civilian and military honors awarded across the 19th and 20th centuries. Each piece is historically significant, well-preserved, and ideal for collectors or institutions.
1. Italy – Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Officer Grade
Type: Officer (4th Class)
Established: 1951 by the President of Italy
Design: White enameled cross with gilt eagles and central five-pointed gilt star
Suspension: Gilt mural crown
Ribbon: Original chest-worn green and red ribbon with rosette (denoting Officer rank)
Markings: On suspension ring (official Italian mint code)
Dimensions: Approx. 77.37 mm x 44.61 mm
Condition:
White enamel is intact and bright
Light patina on gilt, no corrosion
Original rosette ribbon clean and present
Excellent overall appearance
2. France – Order of Liberation (Ordre de la Libération)
Type: Postwar commemorative or veteran version
Established: 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle
Design: Bronze sword with black enameled Cross of Lorraine
Reverse Inscription: "Patriam Servando Victoriam Tulit"
Ribbon: Green with black stripes
Dimensions: Approx. 63.44 mm x 31.04 mm
Condition:
Enamel clean and complete
Bronze has an even vintage patina
Ribbon is original and in excellent shape
A faithful postwar tribute or museum piece (not one of the original 1,038 awards)
3. France – Knight of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur)
Period: Likely mid-19th century, possibly Second French Empire (Napoleon III)
Obverse Inscription: "HENRI IV" (simple type, used 1840s–1860s)
Design: White enameled Maltese cross with green enamel wreath, silver royal crown suspension
Reverse: Crossed French flags and motto “Honneur et Patrie”
Ribbon: Original red silk chest ribbon
Dimensions: Approx. 67.96 mm x 44.32 mm
Condition:
White enamel shows visible chipping and age-related wear
Green enamel wreath mostly intact
Silver crown is secure and authentic
Ribbon is original with some age fading
A rare and early type, transitional between Restoration and Empire issues
General Notes:
All items are authentic vintage or commemorative pieces, not modern replicas
Original ribbons present
View detailed photos to assess condition accurately
Three original European orders from Italy and France, including:
Officer Grade Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, with rosette
Order of Liberation, WWII postwar tribute
Knight of the Legion of Honour with rare “HENRI IV” obverse, 19th-century issue
All with original ribbons, showing honest age and well-documented condition
A collector-grade lot, historically rich and display-ready