Saudi Arabia, Kingdom. An Order of Abdulazis Al Saud, Distinguished I Class to General Powell by King Fahd, 1993

(وسام الملك عبد العزيز). Instituted March 20th, 1971 by King Faisal. (1993 issue). A Cased two-piece set with boutonniere and rosette to General Powell consisting of:

1. A seven-pointed gilded silver neck badge of the award, with lozenge-shaped white enameled arms, with laurel branches emanating from the center of the award, the obverse with a seven-pointed white enameled star in the center with green stippled enameled panels between the arms, bearing a central circular white enameled medallion inscribed in gilt letters “Abdul-Aziz al-Saud” in arabic, and  surrounded by a green enameled ring (partially chipped), the reverse plain, suspended from a gilt crescent with crossed swords and laurel spray from its neck ribbon, the suspension ring is marked “800” for silver content and “AB & CO” for manufacture of Arthus Bertrand & Co. of France, measuring 56.6 mm (w) x 56.3 mm (l), weighing 79.72 grams.

2. A seven-pointed gilded silver breast star of the award,  larger lozenge shapes emanating from the center of the award, with a pebbled background with a laurel branch in relief on each, the obverse with a seven-pointed white enameled star in the center with green stippled enameled panels between the arms, bearing a central circular white enameled medallion inscribed in gilt letters “Abdul-Aziz al-Saud” in arabic, and  surrounded by a green enameled ring (partially chipped), the reverse with a raised barrel hinge, a broad vertical pinback, and a broad curled catch, the pin marked “800” for silver content and “AB & CO” for manufacture of Arthus Bertrand & Co. of France, measuring 76.2 mm (w) x 73.4 mm (l), weighing 132.73 grams.

Accompanied by its ribbon bar, boutonniere, and case of issue, the latter constructed of a light wooden core, with a green felt exterior, the exterior of the lid is embossed in gold with the emblem of Saudi Arabia, the underside of the case with a sticker reading “Medal of Excellence, Saudi Arabia, 13 July 1993 King Fahd”, the interior of the lid is covered in white cushioned silk, with an intact fabric hinge cover and a tan felt medal bed for the neck badge, and a recessed medal bed to accompany the pin of the breast star, along with two little recessed areas for the accompanying ribbon bar and boutonniere, with a peg and catch for closing of the case, unmarked, measuring 130 mm (w) x 270 mm (l) x  43 mm (h).

The breast star depicts slight loss of enamels on the inner green enameled ring at the 4 o’clock position. It is otherwise well preserved with light patina from age and wear. The enamels on the neck badge are beautifully executed and perfectly preserved, all within its case of issue, the set in overall extremely fine condition.

Provenance: "Estate of General Colin L. Powell" Auction by The Potomack Company, November 16, 2022. Formerly the Estate of General Colin L. Powell, to benefit America's Promise Alliance and the Colin Powell School at City College of New York.