France, Iv And V Republics. An Order Of The Arts And The Letters, I Class Commander Newly Listed presenting attractive dark patina

presenting attractive dark patina

with minor flecking visible to the core paint and with a consistent patina throughout the frame

with contact marks evident throughout

each of which incorporates a light blue stripe flanked by wide black stripes on either side

with some black staining on the inside and some rust spots on the cotton liner from age

France, Iv And V Republics. An Order Of The Arts And The Letters, I Class Commander Newly Listed presenting attractive dark patina(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",