France Mérite Agricole

[TacHel]

I recently purchased this officer's badge of the Order. I'm a bit puzzled about the rosette though... It is unlike any other I've seen for this order. The red bands are usually on just a few of the ribs and on opposite sides, not all around the interior like here. What are your thoughts, private maker? Older model? Standard rosette for a certain variant of a certain period?

[Bison]

This is an early type of rosette. An old fashion, I would say.

The technique to make it has changed progressivly during the 10-20 first years of the XXth century.

[TacHel]

So you would estimate the age of this one to between 1900 and 1920?

[Bison]

Yes I would.

To answer more usefully, the Order of Mérite agricole is a special one. It was instituted in 1883 with a single class (and still exists as a 3 classes' Order). The officer's class was instituted on the 18th June 1887 (your ribbon may be one from this period, or just after). The commander's class was established on the 3rd August 1900.

Then it became progressively an Order, and was not as such at the beginning. This is a very interesting story to talk about. May be another time.

I would appreciate more precise and close shots of the star which would reveal if it is from this early period, or later.

Yours

Bison

Edited November 23, 2012 by Bison

[TacHel]

As soon as the mailman delivers it, I'll post extreme close ups for you.

Merci!

Edited November 23, 2012 by TacHel