The Austrian Cross for 1813-14.—This is an interesting decoration, for the Cross itself is enamelled green in the basse-taille manner, the edge only being left to show the metal, likewise the laurel wreath which connects the arms of the Cross. On the obverse, across the centre arms, is PRINCEPS ET PATRIA, on the upper arm is the word GRATI, and on the lower arm FRANC IMP AUG. On the reverse, across the centre arms, is LIBERTATE ASSERTA, on the upper arm EUROPAE, and on the lower MDCCCXIII
MDCCCXIV. It is suspended from a yellow corded ribbon with very broad black edges.
Hessian Medal for 1814-15.—This is a bronze medal 1⅛ in. in diameter, bearing on the obverse in German text capitals,
K W II reinen tapfern Hessen, 1821, surmounted by a crown, and encircled by a wreath of conventionalised oak leaves. On the reverse in the centre is a cross patée, the arms of which rest upon a wreath of laurel. In the centre are the dates 1814
1815. Two tilting spears are arranged between the arms. Over the top arm, and resting upon a circle enclosing a light wreath, is a helmet, around is the motto in German text,
Gott brach des feindes macht und Hessen ward befreit. On the edge in Roman is impressed AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUTZ (from captured guns). The medal is suspended from a dark-blue ribbon with wide red edges. (See facing page [324].)
Légion d'Honneur.—The Order of the Légion d'Honneur was proposed on May 15th, 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte when he was First Consul, as a reward for Military and Civil Services. The Legislative Assembly, however, was not favourably disposed, and it was not until four days later that the institution of the now famous Order was agreed to. Napoleon knew the value of a ribbon to stick in the coat. (See facing page [320].)
The Order was originally divided into three classes—Légionaries, Grand Officers, and Commanders. After the Coronation of Napoleon (July 14th, 1804) the first class of Grand Officers was divided into Knights of the Grand Eagle (as the highest) and Grand Officers. At present there are five classes of the Order: Knights of the Grand Cross, Grand Officers, Commanders, Officers, and Knights.
The original Badge or Cross consists of a white enamelled badge with five double rays, with silver balls on the points, resting on a laurel and oak wreath, tied at the base, surmounted by an Imperial crown attached to the badge by a loop and ring, and has a ring for suspension from a crimson corded ribbon, 1½ in. wide.
Obverse: On a silver-gilt radiated centre, the laureated head of the Emperor Napoleon, facing right, surrounded by a blue enamelled band, with gilt borders, inscribed, in gold letters, NAPOLEON EMPEREUR DES FRANÇAIS. Reverse: Also on a silver-gilt centre of horizontal lines, the French Imperial eagle, surrounded by a blue enamelled band, with gilt borders, inscribed, HONNEUR ET PATRIE, with a sprig of laurel below.