France, Republic. An Order of Public Health, Commander by Bertrand visually-hidden The interior is fully encompassed

The interior is fully encompassed by a multi-piece grey rayon laner

the reverse with a central gilt medallion bearing an inscription of “VERDIENST UM DEN STAAT” (“SERVICE TO THE STATE”)

silver plated

joined together at the bottom by a bow tie-style ribbon

A Royal Order of the Lion

France, Republic. An Order of Public Health, Commander by Bertrand visually-hidden The interior is fully encompassed(Ordre de la Sant Publique). Instituted in 1938. 1938 1963 issue. In silver gilt, a five armed cross with cleft tips, superposed by a five pointed blue enameled star with squares on the tips, obverse centre featuring a woman portrait facing left, surrounded by the inscription ORDRE DE LA SANTE PUBLIQUE (Order of Public Health), reverse centre displaying an engraved rising sun inscribed JOIE SANTE (Joy, Health), measuring 55. 3 mm (w) x 64 mm (h