France French breast star, Grand Cross? ID needed

[GeorgeCL]

Cant find a reference on this Star.

Made by Billard 1896-1911 period.

Thanks

George

[GeorgeCL]

maker mark

Thanks for your help!

[GeorgeCL]

Looks alot like the Order of the Dragon of Annam, with the center being different.

Could it be a fabrication?

George

[Ulsterman]

...looks like a Napoleonic eagle to me too. I think it's a put-together.

[GeorgeCL]

Received the badge in hand today.

A really nice piece. construction and enamel work top end.

Hand set marcasites. No silver content mark just the maker.

Approx. 3 1/8 tall and accross.

Thanks for any help..

George

Some better pics.

[GeorgeCL]

center closeup

[Guest Rick Research]

That little hole in the blue enamel under the eagle does seem to suggest that a different center piece has been replaced there?

[TacHel]

Any breast star would be from an Order. There is no such French Order past or present, continental or colonial.

Although attractive, it really does point towards an amalgam from different pieces. That little hole below the eagle definitely points that way.

[GeorgeCL]

I found three French orders colonial/protectorant.

Order of St Faustin

Many differences in the style of star etc.

the other two

Royal order of Cambodia

and

order of the Dragon of Annam.

Both would have had the centers replaced by the eagle.

Sorry about the quality of pics, copied off computer screen.

[GeorgeCL]

The order of St Faustin

Has an eagle but that about it..

Thanks

George

[GeorgeCL]

I have removed the added on eagle.

It was only glued into place.

This revealed 4 mounting holes to the Violet blue enamel center.

From what I can research on the internet this would make the Royal Order or Cambodia Star the best match.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Order_of_Cambodia

Let me know what you think

Thanks

George

[Guest Rick Research]

The lower one in post #9 above, looks like.

[GeorgeCL]

HI Rick

Yes thats the Royal Order of Cambodia.

Now I just have to find the insert

George