France, Napoleon's Distribution of the Légion d'Honneur at the Boulogne camp 26th August 1804, bronze medal, by Jeuffroy & Jaley

Obv: Napoleon, laureate and enthroned, bestows crosses of the Legion of Hounour to four soldiers before him, two attendants behind him hold trays of the medals to be distributed, HONNEUR LÉGIONAIRE AUX BRAVES DE L'ARMÉ around (Legionary honour to the brave men of the army), in exergue A BOULOGNE (at Boulogne) and date in conventional and revolutionary formats

Rev: a map of the various army corps encamped at Boulogne, with explanatory guide

Condition: Extremely fine; Diameter: 41mm

References: Bramsen 318

Notes: The French army was encamped at Boulogne in preparation to invade England. Like the Germans in 1940, invasion never came, plans being abandoned in 1805. The Order of the Legion of Honour was instigated by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and still exists today as France's premier award. It has many classes, but the first time crosses of the Order were presented was at the event depicted on this medal, before an audience of a hundred thousand troops.

Provenance: SCMB January 1984 (U29, p27)


Price £100