France, Second Empire. An Order Of The Reunion, Knight's Badge, c.1850

(Ordre de la Réunion). Instituted 1811 by Napoleon Bonaparte. In silver gilt, the badge presents twelve white enamel rays with ball finials, with clusters of seven arrows in each quadrant linked by a solid ribbon near the edge which has been twice engraved A JAMAIS (Forever) between the 9 to 3 o’clock rays on each side, the obverse central medallion presenting a central N encircled by a wreath, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed A JAMAIS, the reverse medallion presenting central French insignia surrounded by a blue enamel ring TOUT POUR L’EMPIRE (All for the Empire), the badge is surmounted by a crown featuring eagles in the half arches, with a blue enamel band inscribed NAPOLEON FONDATE (Napoleon the Founder), the badge measures 44.31 mm (w) x 67.98 mm (h - inclusive of cross adorned crown suspension), weighs 21.45 grams, worn on original blue ribbon, enamel cracks and small chips throughout the arms, scattered gilt wear, a rare decoration which remains in very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of the Reunion was established by Napoleon Bonaparte on October 18, 1811. It reunited all orders of the Empire into one French order, which helped to control the growing number of Knights in the Legion of Honour. The Order was conferred upon subjects of the Empire for judicial or administrative services, or for meritorious military careers. During the First Restoration the Order was not conferred, however it was conferred when Napoleon returned to power during the Hundred Days. It was permanently discontinued by Louis XVIII on July 28, 1815. By the same decree, Louis XVIII stipulated that the members of the Order could be admitted to the Legion of Honour if they returned their decorations to the Monnaie de Paris to be melted down. The Second French Empire saw high demand for souvenirs from the First Empire, and so new decorations of the Order of the Union and Reunion were reproduced. All original decorations were composed of gold. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.