FRANCE ORDER OF SAINT MICHEL (1469) Rare pendant... Lot 40

FRANCE ORDER OF SAINT MICHEL (1469) Rare pendant from the "petit ordre" order. Chased gold, two-sided, depicting the winged archangel holding a sword (blade missing), striking down the devil. The medallion is decorated with the order's collar, cordelières (or knots) and shells. Traces of antique polychrome enamel on the rim and figures. The set is attached to a black moire lady's ribbon bow by three transverse suspension rings, three eleven-link chains each ending in an "8" link. The three chains are held to the ribbon by a ring. 27 x 22 mm (without chains). Gross weight: 16 g. Total height with chain: 65 mm. T.B. (Wear, missing enamel, later knot). 16th century. Historical background: From the 16th century onwards, a "small order" suspended from a gold chain or silk ribbon was developed as opposed to the less practical large order necklace. These pendants were enameled all around in black (like ours), white or red. These insignia were ordered privately by the recipients, which explains the stylistic variety of the insignia. Related work: The Metropolitan Museum's collections include a 17th-century pendant of the Order from the J. Pierpont Morgan Collection, also with chains ending in 8-point rings. -See also the book "L'ordre de Saint Michel et l'essor du pouvoir royal", with two pendants from the Order in the collections of the Musée de la Légion d'honneur (Dépôt privé and Inv.08279). Our pendant is one of the few to feature transverse suspension rings. Provenance: -Descendants of the d'Alichoux de Sénégra and Savelly de Caseneuve families. Bibliography: Tom DUTHEIL and Marc METAY (dir), "L'ordre de Saint Michel et l'essor du pouvoir royal", Éditions Pierre de Taillac, 2023. A great deal of information on the making and history of the "petits ordres" of Saint Michael is taken from this book. See p.104 ff.