FRENCH ARMY BELT BUCKLE, LOUIS PHILLIPE, NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER
French military belt buckle dating from the mid 1800's. This buckle, made of stamped brass was also used during WW1, it represents the "Genie de la France" (the French Heritage) creation of artist Eugène Lami (1800-1890) in 1845, painter and decorator famous for his lithographs on the uniforms of the French Army during the reign of Louis-Philippe. It was part of the military uniform of non-commissioned officers under the reign of Louis Philippe I, under the Second Republic and under the Presidency. It bears in large letters the French motto "Honneur / Patrie".