Original Item. Only One Available. The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis (French: ordre royal et militaire de Saint-Louis) is a dynastic order of chivalry founded 5 April 1693 by King Louis XIV, named after Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. By the authorities of the French Republic, it is considered a predecessor of the Legion of Honour, with which it shares the red ribbon (though the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike).

Although officially abolished by the government authorities of the July Revolution in 1830 following the French Revolution, its activities carried on as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. As such, it is still recognised by the International Commission on Orders of Chivalry.

This is an extremely scarce example dating to the Napoleonic Period. The latest it could be is 1830 as that is when the order was abolished. The enamel is in great shape with minor cracking and the gold looks tremendous. The ribbon has some fraying as shown, and any ribbon from this period is going to have condition issues. We cannot specifically measure the gold content, but historically, these badges were struck in solid gold (often 22-karat).

An outstanding example, ready for display!