Dahomey. An Order of the Black Star of Benin, III Class Commander, c.1925

(Ordre Etoile Noire du Bénin). Instituted in 1889. Four-piece construction, in silver gilt with blue, white, black and green enamels, hallmarked "AB&Cie" (Arthus Bertrand) on the loop, measuring 55 mm (w) x 85.5 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, very light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Black Star was instituted on August 30, 1889 by Toffa, King of Porto Novo. It became a French Colonial Order on May 10, 1896 and was discontinued in 1963, after France had granted autonomy to the Republic of Dahomey, and full independence on August 1, 1960, which is celebrated each year as Independence Day, a national holiday. It was awarded to citizens of Dahomey and France, particularly members of the French armed forces, for services to Dahomey and in the area, in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.