France (Colonial): Order of the Black Star of Dahomey 1896-1963 (Ordre De L'Etoile Noire Du Dahomey 1896-1963). 3rd Class 'Commander' silver, gilt & enamel breast badge

The insignia fitted with a full silk moire neck cravat riband with long silk 'ties'

The insignia by Parisian medal maker 'Arthus Bertrand' and dates from circa 1911-. The suspension hanger with 'Sanglier' silver hallmark or 'poincon' and makers marks for 'Arthus Bertrand' (diamond AB*&Cie)

Originally an order created by King Toffa of Dahomey in 1889. By the decree...  read more

Code: 21189

France: Order Of National Merit 1963- (Ordre National Du Merite 1963). 5th Class 'Chevaliers' silvered & enamel breast badge

The insignia with Paris Mint 'Cornucopia' logo and '1' marks on reverse of suspension hanger

The National Order of Merit (French: Ordre national du Merite) is a French order with membership awarded by the President of the French Republic. The Order was established on, 3 December 1963, by President Charles de Gaulle. The reason for the order's establishment was to replace the larg...  read more

Code: 21212

France: Order of Combatant Merit (Ordre du Mérite Combattant, chevalier). Third class 'Knight' silvered & enamelled breast badge (1953 to 1963)

This insignia with Paris Mint 'Cornucopia' logo mark on reverse of suspension hanger

Created in 1953, as an Order - awarded in three classes or grades - to recognize distinguished military services

Basic award criteria for this Order was that the recipient had to be at least 40 years of age and with at least 15 years military veteran service

Note on...  read more

Code: 21211

France: Order of Public Health (Ordre de la Santé Publique, Chevalier). 3rd Class 'Knight' silver & enamel breast badge

This insignia with French 'Sanglier' silver and Parisian maker hallmarks or 'Poincons' on obverse suspension hanger

Instituted on 18 February 1938, the Order of Public Health was awarded in three classes

This order is now obsolete, with the last awards being made in 1963

To qualify for the 'Knight' or 'Chevalier' class, the recipient must meet basic ...  read more

Code: 21206

France: Order of Social Merit (Ordre du Mérite Social, Chevalier). Third class 'Knight' silvered & enamel breast badge

The Order was created on 25 October 1936 and modified on 14 February 1937, the award was to recognise outstanding service to Provident and Mutual Associations that provided social insurance, benevolent & pensions. Basic award criteria was that nominees had to be at least 32 years of age and have worked in a professional capacity in the insurance, pensions and mutuals sectors for at least five y...  read more

Code: 21203

France: Order of Social Merit (Ordre du Mérite Social, Officier). Second class 'Officer' gilt & enamel breast badge

The insignia with Parisian makers marks for 'Chobillon' on the suspension ring

The Order was created on 25 October 1936 and modified on 14 February 1937, the award was to recognise outstanding service to Provident and Mutual Associations that provided social insurance, benevolent & pensions. Basic award criteria was that nominees had to be at least 32 years of age and have worked...  read more

Code: 21204

France: Military Medal (Medaille Militaire). 3rd Republic, 1870-1940 type, with obverse date '1870'

The medal with two Paris Mint 'Cornucopia' logos and numeral '1' marks on lower tie of obverse wreath

Note: This is the type of medal awarded throughout both the World Wars, including awards to Allied Forces personnel

Reference 'Medal to Australia' (Williams, 3rd Edition, 1990), a total of 57 awards of the 'Medal Militaire' were made to Australian personnel during ...  read more

Code: 23348

France: Cross of War 1914-1918 (Croix De Guerre 1914-1918). with 2 x Citation emblems (2 x Bronze Stars) on the riband. Reverse of cross dated 1914-1918

- 1 x Bronze Star = Citation at Regiment or Brigade level
- 1 x Silver Star = Citation at Division level

The bright 'stitched' silk moire riband suspended from a rod, or 'Boule' fitting, as worn in the French style

Condition: GVF  read more

Code: 23347

France: Cross of War 1914-1916 (Croix De Guerre 1914-1918). With 1 x bronze 'Palm' emblem. Reverse of cross dated 1914-1918

- 1 x Bronze 'Palm' = 1 x Citation at Army level

The decoration retaining its original silk 'moire' riband

Condition: GVF  read more

Code: 23346

France: War Cross for Exterior Theatres of Operation (Croix de Guerre des Theatres d' Operations Exterieurs (T.O.E.)

Important: The CDG TOE was never awarded for service in the World Wars, and was never awarded to Allied Forces. The decoration was exclusively reserved for award to French and French Colonial personnel for services in many (but not all) colonial wars in the inter-war period and post 1945, including the Rif Wars, Levant, Morocco, Indochina & Korean War

Condition: VF  read more

Code: 23345