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1911 - Plate of Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of the Legion of …
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Estimate €2,000 - €4,000
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Description
Plate of Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour attributable to the Imperial Prince or his father the Emperor Napoleon III. Diamond plate with rounded spokes from the 2nd Empire period bearing an eagle with head to the left with on the reverse a manufacturer's label from the Maison Ouizille Lemoine, official supplier to the Grand Chancellery of the Order with address n°1 rue du Bac on a smooth background corresponding to this period. This 90mm plate bears two engravings on the reverse - Donné par le Prince Impérial à Mr Nélaton 1868 - on the lower part and - Plaque de Napoléon 1er - on the upper part. It was a gift from the Prince Imperial, who has held the dignity of Grand Cross since his birth and who has worn this plaque on official photographs since he was very young, either from one of his own plaques or from one of those of his father, the Emperor. Doctor Auguste Nélaton (1807-1873) became Emperor Napoleon III's personal surgeon in 1866 and operated on the Prince Imperial in 1867. The engraving is thought to have been made later by the Doctor or his family as a memento of this gift, thus explaining the erroneous mention of Napoleon I on this 2nd Empire silver plate with the lower hook missing. Attached is a 50mm gilt copper medal hallmarked on the edge in the effigy of Napoleon III with a mention on the reverse to the supporters of the Imperial government as well as a photograph of the Emperor wearing his decorations including a similar plaque. Grand Cross breast star of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honour attributable either to the Imperial Prince or to his father Emperor Napoleon III. Fine diamond-cut radiating star of the Second Empire period with rounded rays, bearing a left-facing imperial eagle, with on the reverse a manufacturer's label of Maison Ouizille Lemoine, official supplier to the Grand Chancery of the Order, with address "n°1 rue du Bac", on a plain reverse corresponding to this period manufacture. This 90 mm breast star bears two engraved inscriptions on the reverse: "Donné par le Prince Impérial à Mr Nélaton 1868" in the lower section and "Plaque de Napoléon 1er" in the upper section. It represents a gift from the Imperial Prince, holder of the Grand Cross dignity from birth, who is seen wearing this breast star in official photographs from an early age, making it either one of his personal insignia or one belonging to his father, the Emperor. Doctor Auguste Nélaton (1807-1873) became the personal surgeon of Emperor Napoleon III in 1866 and notably operated on the Imperial Prince in 1867. The engraving was probably added later by the doctor or his family as a commemorative dedication explaining the erroneous reference to Napoleon I on this Second Empire silver breast star, lacking its lower retaining hook. Included is a 50 mm gilt copper medal, edge-marked, depicting Napoleon III, with a reverse inscription in support of the Imperial Government, together with a photograph of the Emperor wearing his decorations, including a similar breast star.
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About the sale MILITARIA :The Arms of France - Military memorabilia, Commandos Kieffer, and Insignia
Auction location
Auction time 06/14/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures modified on 05/15/2026 at 1:28 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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