A silver very early "irregulières" form of the Louis XVIII "La Décoration du Lys", silver badge or medallion, formed as a loop, openwork crown and fleur-de-lis. Cast with a profile and "Louis XVIII 1814" to either side. French silver guarantee "fasces" touchmark to the loop (1798-1819). 4.4 cm. 2.0 g (appox). Note:- Even before Louis XVIII's official return to Paris unofficial decorations, such as the one here, started to circulate as outward displays of support for the Bourbon restortion. These were, ultimately, regularised as a replacement to Napoleon's 'Légion d'honneur'. Exhibited:- Sir John Soane's Museum, London "Peace Breaks Out! London & Paris in the Supper of 1814" June-Sept 2014 [Cat No 1.11 (illustrated)]