Ordre du Saint-Esprit et Ordre de Saint-Michel, croix double en or émaillé, probablement réalisée entre 1791 et 1814 et provenant probablement de Louis-Philippe d’Orléans (1773-1850), futur roi Louis-Philippe

l’avers orné des attributs habituels de l’Ordre du Saint-Esprit, le revers orné d’un médaillon, de grande qualité, figurant saint Michel terrassant le Démon avec sa lance, ceint de la devise de l’Ordre de Saint-Michel IMMENSI TREMOR OCEANI ; maintenue grâce à une bélière ciselée de volutes et un anneau nervuré ; (usures normales, quelques craquelures à différents endroits)

Well-worn, with some flaking and damage to enamel in several places.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Les chevaliers du Saint-Esprit étaient automatiquement membres de l’Ordre de Saint-Michel, fondé par saint Louis en 1469. Ainsi, toutes les médailles du Saint-Esprit portées par des laïcs figuraient sur le revers saint Michel, mais l’archange y était habituellement représenté avec une épée plutôt qu’avec une lance, et sans la devise, contrairement à la croix que nous présentons. Cette dernière, aux faces facilement reversibles, est bien plus fidèle à la croix de l’ordre de Saint-Michel et semble avoir été conçue pour être portée lors des cérémonies de chacun des deux ordres. Elle a probablement été réalisée entre la suppression des ordres en 1791 et la Restauration de 1814, et probablement portée par Louis-Philippe d’Orléans (1773-1850), futur roi Louis-Philippe.

Order of the Saint-Esprit and Order of Saint-Michel, a ‘dual’ Ordres du Roi sash badge in gold and enamels, probably made after the suppression of both Orders in 1791 but before the Restoration in 1814 and of high quality workmanship; the obverse of conventional form, reverse with a finely-modelled central medallion depicting St. Michael with his spear and the dragon at his feet, motto of the Order of Saint-Michel IMMENSI TREMOR OCEANI around, with barrel-loop and circular ridged ring for suspension, width 63.3mm, wt. 57.7g, well-worn, with some flaking and damage to enamel in several places.

Chevaliers of the Order of Saint-Esprit were automatically enrolled also into the older Order of Saint-Michel, founded by Louis IX in 1469.  Although all Saint-Esprit badges worn by non-ecclesiastical members do feature St. Michael on their reverses, the archangel is generally portrayed wielding a sword rather than with his spear and the legend is not included.  The design of the present easily-reversible badge is much more faithful to that of the established Order of Saint-Michel and it appears to have been made for wear equally in ceremonials of either Order.

Probably worn by Louis-Philippe d’Orléans (1773-1850), the future King Louis-Philippe I (1830-1848).