France, Iv And V Republics. An Order Of The Arts And The Letters, I Class Commander Newly Listed with soiling and material fatigue

with soiling and material fatigue evident throughout

measuring 57 mm (w) x 107 mm (h) x 19 mm (h)

presenting attractive dark patina

" A contrasting report appeared in the local paper in Highgate

France, Iv And V Republics. An Order Of The Arts And The Letters, I Class Commander Newly Listed with soiling and material fatigue(Ordre des Arts et des Lettres). Instituted in 1957. Five piece construction, in bronze gilt with green and white enamels, unmarked, the base consisting of an eight pointed green enamelled asterisk, obverse centrepiece with the conjoined scripted letters "A" and "L", the centrepiece ring inscribed "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE", reverse centrepiece illustrating the left facing bust of Marianne, the centrepiece ring inscribed "ORDRE DES ARTS ET DES LETTRES",