France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Set, by Bertrand

Instituted May 10, 1896 by the King of Porto-Novo. A Grand Cross Badge in silver gilt and enamels, presenting a white and blue enamelled Maltese Cross, with a five point black enamel star in the center, reverse mirrors the obverse, surmounted by a green enamelled wreath, marked on integral suspension with boars head denoting French manufacture and silver fineness, measures 55.1mm (w) x 84.2 mm (h), enamels intact, light wear and contact marks, accompanied by the full length blue silk sash, in very fine condition. In silver, an eight point star with cluster of five smooth rays, the medallion superimposed presenting a white and blue enamelled Maltese Cross, with a five point black enamel star in the center, the reverse with a single vertical pin flanked by dual stays, marked on pin boars head denoting french manufacture and silver fineness and maker marked AB&Cie denoting Bertrand, measures 88.0 mm (w) x 87.8 mm (h), weighs 92.76 grams, enamels intact, hinge and catch functional, remains in extremely fine condition. 

Contained in original case of issue, blue leatherette exterior, interior with creme coloured silk and velvet recessed medalbed, lid marked BERTRAND, measures 150 mm (w) x 300 mm (h) x 75 mm (d), light wear, hinge and catch functional, in very fine condition.