Order of Charles III

A Grand Cross Star in Silver with finely chiseled and pierced arms and fleurs-de-lys; centre medallion with exceptionally executed image of the Virgin in gold and polychrome enamel, standing on a crescent of polished gold; enameled background with clouds and beams; deep-blue enameled outer circlet bearing the order’s motto with separately-made lettering made of chiseled gold and the blue enameled monogram below; concave reverse, fitted with vertical pin.
An exceptionally-made, rare piece from the early 19th Century, in the finest, probably French manufacture, excellent condition.
Dim.: 106,0 x 80,0 mm.
Provenance: the estate of Gabriel Jean Joseph Molitor (1770-1849); one of the most capable staff officers in the Napoleonic army since the earliest campaigns, he saw his first successes with his brilliant manoeuvers on the Swiss territory, under the higher command of Massena and then Moreau, breaking the Austrian troops at Bregenz and Stockach until reaching the Armée d’Italie; he saw action in Dalmatia, where he displayed courage, intelligence and excellent tactical capabilities, then passed to the Armies in the Netherlands until 1813. On Napoleon’s return from the exile at Elba, he was confirmed as Inspector General of the army and wanted him to place his troops in the Alsace. His being faithful again to Napoleon, was the reason of his being put out of service at the return of Louis XVIII after Waterloo, but soon the Marshal Guyon de St. Cyr called him back, again granting the role of Inspector General. Sent with Army of the Pyrenees, he saw again the action in the Spanish war in 1823, where he brilliantly conducted the campaign, On his return he was created Marshal of France. He reorganized the fortification of Paris, became Governor of the Hotel des Invalides and on his death, he had the honour of being buried in the crypt at the Invalides, His name is inscribed in the Arc de Triomphe. I RR!