Old medals displayed in rounded glass frame.

These French medals have been in the family for as long as we can remember. I hve some questions about the glass frame and some of the medals. I did not see a "medals" category to display this page.

Pic #1 shows the whole frame. The following information about this frame is from my trusted friend in Germany who wrote the following: "The frame is wood. On the wood, an oval paper maché is glued frame. This framework is equipped with black paint Schell. This varnish is polished.
The glass is held in an oval ring of brass. The frame is produced in
1870 .... 1890th. In that time they used this framework. It was Protrait
photos of men and women, photos of the wedding, pictures of the
confirmation, photos of babies and thumbnail pictures of a soldier from
that time. These photos were common with an oval cardboard Paspartou.
Also showed that religious themes (relics) in this context. This work is
called a "monastery work. " There were also brass frame with oval
profile. The profile was gilded." My thanks to Mr. Bauer for this important information. Being on this website (Collectors Weekly), has been an eye opener for me.

Pic #2 is a medal of honour awarded to one of my ancestors. As you can see, it dates back to Napoleonic era. Can anyone tell me more about this medal ? Why was it awarded to someone ? It's rarity if any ?

Note added: Thanks to "Savoychina1", who provided a link to search for these medals. I posted a short history on this particular medal below. Savoychina1 posted the web link in his note below and I will spend some time in there. Thank you Sir.

- Légion d'Honneur -- This order, the highest French distinction, is awarded to all persons which distinguished themselves through civilian or military valour. The order was instituted early in the 19th century (1802) by the then First Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte, in 4 classes. In 1805 a fifth, and highest class, was added. These classes are :

Grand Croix -
Gold badge worn at left hip on broad scarlet sash from right shoulder to left hip. Star on left breast.
Grand Officer - Gold badge worn on left breast. Star on right breast.
Commandeur - Gold badge worn at neck on scarlet ribbon.
Officer - Gold badge worn on left breast, suspended from scarlet ribbon with rosette.
Chevalier -
Silver badge worn on left breast, scarlet ribbon.

Pic #3 is another old French medal with a metal star in the fabric. Again, I know nothing about it's history and I look forward to your learned opinion(s).

Pic#4 is another medal of interest to another collector who asked me about it to identify it. I've added the picture on this page. The difference is the medal I have here also has "ENGAGE VOLUNTAIRE" (volunteer recruit) metal clip on the fabric. Here is the information provided to me says about this medal:

" Medal for the Franco-Prussian War (Médaille de 1870-1871)
[FRM614]

Circular bronze medal with laterally-pierced knob suspension; the face with a helmeted female head facing left representing the French Republic, circumscribed ‘REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE’, signed ‘GEORGES LEMAIRE’; the reverse with a military trophy of arms imposed on which is a plaque inscribed ‘AUX DEFENSEURS DE LA PATRIE’ (To the defenders of the country), the dates ‘1870 1871’ above, signed with monogram ‘GL’, with Paris Mint cornucopia bronze hallmarks; age-toned, a very slight edge knock to the right-hand side of the reverse; on original age-faded ribbon. The medal was created on 9 November 1911, some forty years after the conflict, for all combatants who took part in the campaign of July 1870 to February 1871. The conflict between France and Prussia that signalled the rise of German military power and imperialism was provoked by the Prussian (later German) Chancellor Otto von Bismarck as part of his plan to create a unified German Empire. The French armies were overcome at Sedan by the efficient Prussian forces, battle-hardened from their conflicts with Denmark and Austria. In Paris, a bloodless revolution led to the overthrow of Napoleon III. The city was besieged by the Prussians from 19 September and held out, suffering severe privation, until 28 January 1871. France was forced to cede Alsace and Lorraine to the Germany which had been proclaimed an empire under Wilhelm I on 18 January 1871 in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, sowing the seeds of future 20th Century conflicts. A good example."

I am going to display four other medals on another page. Two of them are quite small yet they intrigue me.
Thank you for looking.