Grand Cross Breast Star from the beginning of 19th Century, 84x86 mm, diamond-cut chiselled Silver cross flanked by fleurs-de-lys, oval centre medallion with the polychrome enameled image of the Holy Virgin, made of Gold, night-blue enameled outer circlet with the motto “VIRTUTI ET MERITO” with separately-made, chiselled Gold letters, gilt reverse, the counter-medallion engraved with the maker’s signature “Beaugeois, Rue de la Paix, N.° 2.” and fitted with vertical, round pin. A beautiful piece, dating from the earliest 19th Century. I R!