Early contract issue with darker enamel, full-size medal + attached miniature
Key Information:
Country: United States
Award: Legion of Merit – Legionnaire (5th Class)
Named To: Brigadier M.G. Jilani
Dimensions (approx.): 50.55 × 47.00 mm
Ribbon: Original ribbon with attached miniature Legion of Merit
Enamel colors: White arms, dark red borders, dark green wreath, blue central medallion
Construction: Early U.S. government contract manufacture (WWII–early post-war style)
All measurements are approximate.
Medal Design:
The Legion of Merit (Legionnaire grade) features a white-enameled five-armed cross with crimson borders set on a gilt wreath of green enamel. The central blue disk contains thirteen stars, representing the original U.S. colonies.
Reverse embossing: ANNUIT COEPTIS – MDCCLXXVI – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Included in this set is the matching miniature medal attached directly to the full-size ribbon, a desirable presentation style often seen in foreign-officer awards.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor age wear on gilding and natural enamel patina typical of early contract examples.
Ribbon shows light usage folds.
Miniature medal attached to ribbon remains intact and well preserved.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Legion of Merit is one of the highest U.S. military decorations and is frequently awarded to foreign military leaders. Named examples are considerably more desirable.
Manufacturers & Enamel Variants:
During WWII and the immediate post-war period, the Legion of Merit was produced by several authorized contractors, including:
Bailey, Banks & Biddle (BB&B)
Robbins Co.
Gemsco
U.S. Mint / G.I. Contract Makers
Medallic Art Co.
Because each manufacturer used different enamel pigments and firing techniques, wartime and early post-war medals often display:
Darker, deeper red borders
Dark forest-green wreath enamel
Slightly thicker gilding and sharper strikes
This example shows the classic wartime dark enamel palette, consistent with early contract manufacture.
Named Legion of Merit decorations awarded to foreign officers—especially early variants—are highly collectible.
Summary:
Authentic U.S. Legion of Merit – Legionnaire Class, named to Brigadier M.G. Jilani, early darker-enamel variant, complete with original ribbon and attached miniature medal.
A highly desirable historical decoration suitable for advanced collectors of U.S. and foreign military orders.
Please refer to the pictures for details.