Order of St. Louis

Breast Star of the order, 85 mm, accurately chiseled and pierced rays, the centre in Gold, forming a cross of white enameled fleurs-de-lys, red enameled, oval centre medallion with the image of the saint wearing armour and Royal robes, with finely engraved and enameled details, dark-blue enameled outer circlet, bearing the Order’s motto “DEUS ET DIES” in gold lettering and a stylized laurel wreath below, smooth reverse with round maker’s escutcheon of Lemaitre, Paris and vertical, round pin and two side-hooks. A beautiful, very rare star, most probably of Parmese manufacture from about 1850, although bearing the escutcheon of the well-known French maker, in this case retailer of the piece in the time of its award, excellent condition. I R!