French 1870 Legion of Honour Medal Full Size

The French 1870 Legion of Honour Medal Full Size is a historical military decoration awarded by the French government. Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur) is the highest order of merit in France, recognizing both military and civil achievements. The 1870 version pertains to the period of the Franco-Prussian War and the early Third Republic. This medal features a five-pointed white enamel star, surmounted by a laurel and oak wreath, and suspended from a red ribbon. The obverse typically bears the effigy of the French Republic, while the reverse includes crossed tricolour flags and the motto “Honneur et Patrie” (Honor and Fatherland). The full-size format would have been worn on formal military dress. The 1870 Legion of Honour medal is a significant piece for collectors interested in French military history and nineteenth-century European decorations.