Orders, Decorations and Medals

France, Legion of Honour (2), Louis Philipe (1830-48) Officer’s breast badge, gold and enamels, with old ribbon and rosette; Chevalier’s breast badge, silver, gold and enamels, with old ribbon, both pieces attractively mounted in an old frame with gilt surround, together with framed photograph of the recipient, M. Caesar Mansuetus Despretz, M.A., B.A., President of the Institute de France, good very fine (2) £200-400

Mons. Caesar Despretz was a Belgian born Professor of Science and Physics who studied at the Imperial University in Paris from 1810. The lot is sold with a great many Diplomas and Certificates dating from this period through to the 1860’s, conferring decorations (including Commander of the Lion of Zahringen, Baden) and other honours on him. These have all been laid down on cartridge paper.