Height: 9.8cm (4in)
Crystal glassware. Heavy moulded tumbler with oval panel enclosing a gilt and polychrome foil representation of a chevalier’s badge of the Order of Saint Louis, the sides decorated with a continuous freize of eliptical shapes, the faceted foot with star-cut base. Contained in its original cylindrical case.
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The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis was dynastic Order of Chivalry founded 5 April 1693 by Louis XIV, and named for St Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, and is notable as the first decoration available to commoners. It is considered a predecessor to the Legion d’Honneur, with which it shares a red ribbon. Catholic faith was a mandatory requirement for elevation, as well as at least ten years' service as a commissioned officer in the army or navy. Members of the Order received a pension, and hereditary nobility was granted to the sons and grandsons of Knights. Until the death of Louis XIV, the Order was exclusively awarded to outstanding officers, but it gradually came to be an award that most officers might receive during a successful career. On 1 January 1791, during the French Revolution, a decree changed the name of the Order to the Décoration Militaire. It was subsequently suspended on 15 October 1792. One of the first acts of the restoration of Louis XVIII in 1814 was to reinstate it for officers of the Royal and Imperial armies alike. In 1830 King Louis-Philippe abolished it for good.