Insignia Of The Veterans Of The First Empire

"Brothers in arms"

France, first third of the 19th century (around 1820–1840)

Rare private badge of veterans of the First Empire, called "Brothers in arms", in vermeil, personalized and engraved in the name of a general, unique testimony of the Napoleonic brotherhood preserved with its ribbon and presented in a period setting.

Non-regulatory badge made of vermeil (solid gilded silver), intended for a private society of former soldiers of the Empire, formed after 1815 in order to perpetuate fraternal ties and imperial memory. These badges, worn at meetings, commemorative banquets or ceremonies, were produced in very small numbers and are now much rarer than official decorations.

The front features a Napoleonic imperial eagle with outstretched wings, finely chiseled, resting on a stylized military trophy. The quality of the relief, the fineness of the work and the ancient mercury gilding testify to a French goldsmith's work of the first third of the 19th century.

The reverse is engraved in the name of General Antoine-Marguerite Clerc (1774–1846). A cavalry officer who served during the Revolution and the First Empire, he belonged to the Guard of Consuls and then to the Imperial Guard, participated in the great Napoleonic campaigns and was elevated to the rank of brigadier general, before being made baron of the Empire. The presence of its name gives this badge an exceptional personal and historical dimension, very rare for this type of object.

The whole is preserved with its old moiré ribbon and presented in its 19th century period setting, fully participating in the authenticity and historical coherence of the piece.

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Matter

Vermeil (solid gold silver)

Time

First third of the 19th century (around 1820–1840)

State

Very good general condition - well-preserved old gilding - wear consistent with age - old ribbon - period frame