France: Order of Liberation (Ordre De La Liberation). Companions breast badge

This example of private fabrication, has a lacquer painted centre to the Cross of Lorraine

Dimensions: 63mm (L) x 30mm (W)

The insignia 'sans' riband weights 33g

There are no legible hallmarks or makers marks on this item insignia except for what appears to be a tiny indistinct single letter 'O' that is die raised on upper side of the right side of the sword hilt - and not possible for imaging. Whether the indistinct mark is a makers mark we know not

Per specifications cited by the Museum of the Order of Liberation describes the insignia as a rectangular polished bronze escutcheon measuring 33 mm in height and 30 mm in width, bearing a double-edged sword 60 mm in height and 7 mm in width, extending beyond it above and below and overlain with a black Lorraine cross

Important: The Ordre De La Liberation - the second highest ranking award in the French order of precedence - was established by a decree issued by General De Gaulle of the 'Free French' at Brazzaville, Congo, on 16 November 1940. The very first insignia was awarded on 1941, and the last was presented in 1946. In total there were only 1061 x awards made, including 103 x to individual recipients, 18 x to regiments, vessels, squadrons and 6 x to cities. The contract to strike the medals was originally awarded to the London firm of 'John Pinches', on behalf of the Free French Government in Exile (the latter being based in London during the war years following the fall of France in June 1940). After the liberation of Paris on 25 August 1944, the Paris Mint obtained the remaining balance of London made insignia and when they were exhausted started to strike their own insignia, from late 1944. Paris Mint issues are always marked the Paris Mint trademark 'Cornucopia' and metal hallmarks 'Br' or 'Bronze'

The Order was extended twice to award the only 2 x British recipients of this esteemed award.

1958: Sir Winston Churchill was made a 'Companion of the Liberation' on November 6, 1958. General Charles de Gaulle presented him with the Croix de la Libération (the insignia of the Ordre de la Libération) in the gardens of the Hôtel Matignon in Paris. This honour was awarded to recognize his exceptional contributions to the liberation of France

1960: His Majesty King George VI was posthumously made a 'Companion of the Liberation'

The most evocative - and inspirational - of all French Orders, Decorations and Medals

The overall wear on this un-attributed decoration indicates an award that has been handled and likely worn in the past

Condition: VF

Code: 26048