Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of The African Star, Knight, By Fernand-Fisch, C.1945

(Ordre de l'Étoile africaine). Instituted 1888. 1908-1960 issue. In silver, consisting of a white enameled Maltese cross with blue borders and ball finials, surrounded by a tide enameled green palm wreath, obverse centre in silver gilt featuring a five-pointed star with enameled blue background, surrounded by the French inscription by TRAVAIL ET PROGRES (Labour and Progress), the reverse in silver gilt depicting the royal cypher of Leopold II on an enameled red background, suspended by a large royal crown in silver, presenting Belgium hallmark denoting silver fineness of .900 from 1942 to 1990, marked by maker’s mark of Fish Fernand Alfred Antoine, Brussels, firm founded in 1853, measuring 38.57 mm (w) x 63.29 mm (h - inclusive of royal crown and integral cross), presenting toned silver, minor lost of gilt, with fragile red enamels exhibiting some loss, suspended by original breast ribbon, remains in fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the African Star was founded by King Leopold II by an unpublished decree on December 30, 1888. It was originally created as an Order of the Congo Free State, but was integrated into the national hierarchy of decorations in Belgium after the Congo Free State ceased to be a private domain of King Leopold II in 1908. The Order was discontinued on June 30, 1960 following the independence of the Congo in the same year. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.