Grand Cross Set, 2nd Empire (1852-1870). Sash Badge, 100x67 mm., GOLD, enameled, large suspension ring and original, full sash. Luxury Breast Star, 87 mm., with chiselled and pierced rays, centre medallion with Imperial eagle on a highly polished ground, outer circlet with order’s motto “HONNEUR ET PATRIE”, enriched in-and- out with diamond-cut silver circlets, reverse with maker’s escutcheon of Halley, Paris, broad pin and two hooks.
With the original, parchment award document to Aristide-Isidore Jean Marie count de la Rue, Géneral de Division President of the Consulting Committee of the Army General Staff and of the Gendarmerie; given in Paris, on December 10th, 1857.
A very rare and important group with a certain provenance and in the best quality, fully representing the prestige of a class, awarded to the highest ranking of clers and dignitaries, extremely fine condition.I RR!