France, Second Restoration. A Beautiful Set of Three French Decorations, in Gold, c.1820

Decoration of the Lily, a lovely decoration in silver, bearing hand-etched fleur-de-lis, surmounted by a large moveable crown, reverse mirrors the obverse, measures 10.53 mm (w) x 28.85 mm (h), very dark patina, worn on a replacement white silk ribbon, remains in extremely fine condition. 

Order of the Legion of Honour, Second Restoration (1816-1830) Knight, reduced size, in Gold, featuring a five armed white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, segments of laurel and oak leaves in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a right facing portrait of King Henri IV, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed HENRI IV ROI DE FRANCE ET DE NAVA., the reverse medallion features three fleur-de-lis surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE., the cross is surmounted by a large crown with red and green enamel details, measures 31.10 mm (w) x 50.40 mm (h), worn on a replacement burgundy silk ribbon via the original striated ring, notable cracks to enamels in four arms, chips to both inscription rings, minor chips to the green enamel wreath, areas of discolouration to the arms typical of age, an overall lovely decoration in very fine condition. 

A Royal Order of St. Louis, Knight in Gold, presenting a four armed white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, and a Gold fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting a beautifully enamelled standing figure of a caped St. Louis on a red enamel background, encircled in a blue enamel ring inscribed LUD. M. INST. 1693., reverse medallion features a sword and green enamel wreath on a red field, surrounded by a blue ring inscribed BELL VIRTUTIS PRAEM, marked on the 10 o’clock fleur-de-lis with a Gold rams head hallmark denoting Paris manufacture between 1819-1838 and Gold guarantee for small items, measures 39.53 mm (w) x 43.05 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), worn on a replacement burgundy silk ribbon, enamel chip on the reverse 6 o’clock arm, small cracks to the obverse arms, discolourations across the arms, wear consistent with age, in near extremely fine condition. 

The decorations are worn on a unique and unofficial gilded rod with arabesque ends via a pin through each ribbon, measuring 200 mm (w) x 40 mm (h at ends), in total weighing 38.2 grams, bearing light wear. 

Footnote: The Decoration of the Lily was established by the brother of Louis XVIII, Count of Artois, the future King Charles X, on April 26, 1814. It was suppressed by Napoleon during the Hundred Days, restored during the Second Restoration, and permanently suppressed on February 10, 1831.

On 19 May 1802, the Legion of Honour was established by a vote of the First Council who approved the formation of the Legion. The Legion was the first European Order that was created as an Order of Merit, based on the principle of equality of birth, and which was open to individuals of all ranks and professions; only merit or bravery counted. During the Second Restoration, Type III, the crosses were surmounted by a movable crown. The crown has eight half-arches, and a small cross on top. Medallions may feature a facing-right portrait of Henri IV on the obverse and three Fleur-de-Lys on the reverse.

The Royal Order of St. Louis was founded by Louis XIV on April 5, 1693. Estimates place the number of decorations awarded between 1693-1792 between 34000-35000. From 1792-1814 an estimated 2500 decorations were awarded and from 1815-1830 an estimated 20800 were awarded.