Madagascar, I Republic. A National Order Of Madagascar, By Arthus Bertrand & Co., Knight C.1959

Instituted in 1959. Type I (1958-1975). Of French manufacture in bronze gilt, a high scarce five-armed star with enameled white stripe on each arm, the obverse featuring engraved coat of arms of Madagascar, surrounded by an enameled red border with the inscription REPUBLICA MALAGASY, plain reverse inscribed by FAHAFAHANA TANINDRAZANA FANDROSOANA 14 OCTOBER 1959, the date of the independence of Madagascar, measuring 40.38 mm (w) x 44.10 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), presenting maker’s mark of Arthus Bertrand & Co. on the ring, with light contact, suspended by original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The National Order of Madagascar was created in 1959, as commemoration of the Malagasy Republic proclamation, an autonomous state tied to France that became fully independent in 1960. In June 1975, the word ‘DEMOKRATIKA’ was added to the inscription on the obverse.