Hi Bison,
I didn't know that this topic is so huge and complicated. As nearly totally new in french awards and in the Legion of Honour especially I had no idea.
I hope this doesn't start to annoy you, but here's what I found out and how I came to the number of 8 different main types (chronological):
- cross without crown and without the small pearls on tops, Napoleon I. on Avers, imp. eagle on Revers
- cross with imperial crown and pearls on tops, Napoleon I. on Avers, imp. eagle on Revers
- cross with royal crown and three fleurs-de-lys on the Revers, Henry IV. on Avers
- cross with royal crown and two french flags on the Revers, Henry IV. on Avers
- cross without crown and Napoleon I. on Avers, Revers ? (the two flags again?)
- cross wih imperial crown, Napoleon I. on Avers and imp. eagle on Revers
- cross with wreath, Marianne on Avers and the Date 1870, two french flags on the Revers
- cross with wreath, Marianne on Avers and a little star where 1870 stood before, two french flags on the Revers and the Date "29 Floreal An X"
So the "original" issue by Napoleon I., where I found only two types has four types, but where do I have to put the 13th type, which is missing in my list?
Thank you for your efforts!
All the Best,
Leo