FRANCE ORDRE DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, instituted in 1802 Great eagle mantle plaque Radiant star with five double branches, embroidered in lamé, sequins and silver thread. The centre features a crowned imperial eagle on a thunderbolt and the legend "HONOUR ET PATRIE" (HONOUR AND REPUBLIC) on an amatized background, in silver, in one piece. With paper lining. D. 14 cm T.T.B. First Empire period for the star. Later centre, probably from the July Monarchy period. Related item : - Plaque de Grand Aigle from the Musée Napoléon I de Fontainebleau (Inv N143). Reproduced in Les Ordres de chevalerie by Jean Pierre COLLIGNON, p.198 Provenance : Former Napoleonic collection of the Prince's Palace of Monaco (1st sale, lot 61) Order of the Legion of Honour with a great eagle coat plaque Commentary: On 30 January 1805, the "Grand Decoration" of the Order of the Legion of Honour was introduced, soon to be renamed the "Grand Eagle". In addition to the dress plaque, recipients wore an embroidered coat plaque in full dress, which was larger in diameter than the dress plaque.