My 2nd Empire items

[FDutil]

Hi all, now that I've finally acquired a China 1860 campaign medal, I'll be able to finish off my French frame. I just wanted to share this pic of my 2nd Empire awards.

[Christophe]

Bravo Frank !!

Nice collection !!

Please, could you show us the reverse of the first one ?

And about of the Légion d'Honneur : is it a knight or officer star ? The ribbon seems more recent, obviously...

Cheers.

Ch.

[FDutil]

Picture of the first medal and close up of the badge of Officier de la Légion d'Honneur.

Médaille pour Actes de Dévouements du Ministère de l'Intérieur.
Awarded to: PRAT XAVIER in 1869.

The Legion of Honor is an officer's, unfortunately, much of the gilding is gone. And you are correct, the ribbon is not original. The close up pic shows some of the gilding (dorure) left.

[Felix]

Thats' a very nice collection. The Legion of Honour is not easy to find without enamel damages, yours seems to be in very good condition.

[FDutil]

The state of the enamel is what convinced me to purchase it over 2 other candidates. Both had better gilding but the enamel was cracked pretty badly with small pieces missing at the tips of the arms. Although mine's gilding is pretty worn off, I thought the overall look was better with near intact enamel.

[Felix]

I agree, enamel is the first thing I look when I buy a medal.

[Christophe]

Hi Frank,

Many thanks for the Ministry of Interior medal's pics.

Cheers.

Ch.

[FDutil]

I'm curious, did you think it was one for courage?

[lpr19]

Hello FDutil,

what a nice collection.

I enjoy most the mexican item.

If there is something for sale / swap, please let me know.

Thanks

[FDutil]

Sorry but most of these are REALLY hard to find and worth a lot.

It took me years to find and purchase the Mexican and China campaign medals.