France, Third Republic. A Legion D'honneur In Gold, Commander, C.1919 Auction marked on reverse but markings

marked on reverse but markings illegible

each with white cotton mesh backers

with a crew of seven

probably French made

but most died of hypothermia in the icy water before they could be rescued

France, Third Republic. A Legion D'honneur In Gold, Commander, C.1919 Auction marked on reverse but markings(1870 1951). In Gold with red, white, blue and green enamels, weighing 42. 9 grams, hallmarked with an eagle's head on the tip of the ribbon on the obverse and marked with the Arthus Bertrand maker mark on the loop, measuring 59 mm (w) x 87. 7 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, on an original full length neck ribbon, intact enamels, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "R. F." (Rpublique Franais) on the lid, maker marked