Since there seems to be a slight interest in French orders these days, I thought that I would pop this one on.
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reverse:
Anyone care to elaborate on this little gem and the significance of the bow/rosette on the faded old watered silk ribbon? The medal itself is exquisitely done in real gold... -
Hello Eric:
That is a lovely example of the Order of the Reunion. It was established by Napoleon in 1811 for merit to French and foreign individuals who helped with his conquests. It apparently came in two classes, chevalier and commandeur, and yours is the chevalier class. Once Nappy fell from grace and power, the order was suppressed in 1815.
The bow has no special significance other than it is original to the period. That manner of ribbon seems to have been the fashion with early 19th century French decorations, especially those from around 1810 to about 1840. What is interesting is that many early decorations come in a host of sizes and varieties. I have seen that manner of ribbon with early Legions of Honor and the Order of the Lily (Ordre du Lys). I have only one early French decoration, a First Bourbon Bestoration Ordre du Lys, but it does not have the original ribbon, which would have been either a large white rosette or a white moire ribbon just like yours.
A beautiful decoration you have - thanks for sharing it with us
-Eric SchenaComment
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