Projet d'un ordre officiel "Au Mérite" - Grand officier set - Lot 828

Projet d'un ordre officiel "Au Mérite" - Grand officier set comprising: a Legion of Honor-shaped star in vermeil with five double branches, dome-shaped and enameled in red, beveled with a wreath of mistletoe, the obverse center in three parts depicts the symbolic composition of the Republic, a shield adorned with the initials "R.F." placed on a lictor beam encircled by an oak and laurel wreath, legend on a white background "République française", the reverse in one part features the words "Au Mérite" on a blue background encircled by a wreath of oak and laurel."The reverse in one section features the words "Au Mérite" on a blue background surrounded by a white fillet, surmounted by an articulated enameled mistletoe wreath, blue rosette ribbon with white central stripe; a ten-spoke smooth silver plate charged with a large star with the same composition as the badge, the branches edged with a garland of mistletoe, the center in three parts encircled by the legend "République française - Au Mérite", on the reverse a circular cartouche from the manufacturer Arthus Bertrand & Beranger, 46 rue de Rennes Paris, fastened with a pin and two hooks. In a burgundy morocco case, the lid stamped in gold with the initials "R.F." and signed Arthus Bertrand & Cie. The badge: 63x42mm, the plate: 80mm France, circa 1900-1910. TTB to SUP This very curious set, of which a grand-croix is also in private hands, is certainly an official design. Indeed, it takes the shape of the star of the Legion of Honor, decorated with the three national colors and charged with the symbols of the Republic, notably used by the President of the Republic. The mistletoe is a more surprising reference, perhaps linked to the symbolism of immortality and prosperity that has been associated with it since the Celts. The ribbon is the same as that adopted for the Order of Nichan El-Anouar in December 1899. Produced at the turn of the century by Arthus-Bertrand, is this high-quality, highly accomplished prototype a project for a second national order, or for an order available to the President of the Republic, like the Royal Victorian Order? To this day, the Archives remain silent.