FRANCE - Lot 33

FRANCE ORDER OF THE LEGION OF HONOR Vice-Admiral Pothuau's IIIrd Republic grand officier de la Légion d'honneur set, including: - Officer's star, deluxe model with filets and crown foliage in relief, in vermeil, multi-part center in gold, enamel. Rosette ribbon. T.B. - Silver grand officer's plate, partly worked with diamond points. Reverse side with two hooks and toggle clasp. Boar's head and illegible goldsmith's hallmark (probably Arthus Bertrand). 90 mm - Net weight: 48.7 g T.T.B. In its Arthus Bertrand case. Provenance: Descendants of the vice-admiral. Note: the Vice-Admiral received these insignia in the Cour d'honneur des Invalides in November 1950, during the Fourth Republic. Biography : Marie Matthieu Pierre Louis POTHUAU (1896-1974) On September 16, 1938, he was commander of the torpedo boat TRIOMPHANT. Captain on November 17, 1940. In February 1941, Commander of the cruiser "FOCH" in TOULON. From May 16 to November 27, 1942, he commanded the destroyer "TARTU" and the 5th Torpedo Division. After joining the Resistance in 1942, he was arrested, tortured and deported while attempting to cross into North Africa. Rear-admiral on May 1, 1945. Vice-Admiral on January 18, 1950. Major General of the Navy in May 1953. (Information taken from the website: http://ecole.nav.traditions.free.fr)