French Life-Saving Merit Decoration, enamelled cross
Key Information:
Country: France
Name: Ordre des Sauveteurs de France
Type: Civil life-saving merit decoration
Period: Late 19th – early 20th century (circa 1890s–1930s)
Status: Non-governmental / private organization award
Material: Gilt bronze with multi-color enamel
Dimensions approx.: 52.68 × 51.85 mm
Suspension: Original-style ribbon bow (neck ribbon present)
Medal Design:
Eight-pointed white enamel cross with blue enamel centers, surrounded by green enamel laurel leaves. Central medallion shows a classical female profile with the inscription “ORDRE DES CHEVALIERS – SAUVETEURS DE FRANCE”.
Reverse is plain with cut-outs, typical for this type.
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Condition:
Visible enamel cracks and losses
Ribbon shows age wear, stains, and creasing
Suspension connector is cracked and its originality cannot be guaranteed (clearly visible in the photos)
Patina consistent with age
Overall condition consistent with an original period piece that has seen use.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Ordre des Sauveteurs de France was a private French life-saving organization, not a state order like the Légion d’Honneur.
It awarded decorations to civilians who demonstrated bravery in rescuing others, often in maritime, river, or industrial accidents.
These awards were not issued by the French government, but by the organization itself, often custom-made by private workshops. As a result, variations in construction, enamel work, and suspension are common.
Such pieces are today collected as French civil merit and humanitarian decorations, especially when retaining their original ribbon.
Summary:
Original French Ordre des Sauveteurs de France enamelled cross from the late 19th to early 20th century.
A non-governmental, privately issued life-saving decoration with attractive design and honest period wear.
An excellent example for collectors of French orders, civil awards, or humanitarian decorations.
For the condition, please refer to the pictures.