{"product_id":"original-french-napoleonic-era-royal-and-military-order-of-st-louis-knight-s-cross-with-ribbon-cross-made-of-gold","title":"Original French Napoleonic Era Royal and Military Order of St. Louis Knight’s Cross with Ribbon - Cross Made of Gold","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 some cracking, and the gold looks tremendous. The ribbon is in very good condition but may not be from the period, likely added during the late 19th or early 20th century. We cannot specifically measure the gold content, but historically, these badges were struck in solid gold (often 22-karat). The medal with the ribbon weighs roughly \u003cstrong\u003e17.78 grams\u003c\/strong\u003e, and when the ribbon is placed off the scale, it weighed at\u003cstrong\u003e 17.32 grams\u003c\/strong\u003e. Do understand however that the enamel makes up much of this weight. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example, ready for display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45176324227141,"sku":"ONJR25MAQ084","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MAQ084__03.jpg?v=1782650123","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-napoleonic-era-royal-and-military-order-of-st-louis-knight-s-cross-with-ribbon-cross-made-of-gold","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}