Grand Cross Set. Sash Badge, 65,0 x 60,0 mm., gilt Silver, as a downwardly oriented fi vepointed star within thick laurel wreath, the centre with green enameled medallion bearing the crescent and star within laurel wreath, the whole, fixed to the bow of the original sash ribbon. Breast Star, 80 mm., Silver, with chiseled rays, the centre in gilt silver, the centre, similar to the sash badge, but the laurel wreath, polished reverse, the counter medallion engraved with “GENERAL / MARC
MONCHAL”, in the original, large award case, together with the miniature and lapel bar according to the class. TOGETHER, a presentation “Scroll or Message holder”, 355 mm., Silver, then richly embossed in the finest taste of Northern India; the bulbous ends as caps to be removed to allow inserting scrolls and messages, in its original presentation case with dedication “GENERAL / MARC MONCHAL / CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF FRENCH ARMY”.
A beautifully executed, important group, presented to one of the most prominent, French military personalities of the late 20th Century, excellent condition.
Note: Marc Monchal (1935–2020), of humble origins, was admitted at the Special Military School of St.Cyr when still very young, distinguishing himself as a brilliant cadet and young artillery officer; in his long career he always covered important posts, seeing action during the Algerian war and in the airborne troops. In 1991, he was granted the post of Chief of Staff of the French Army and after his retirement in 1996 and until 2001 he served as Conseilleur d’Etat.I RR!