(Ordre de l'Étoile Noire). Instituted in 1889. In silver with blue, white, black and green enamels, measuring 40 mm (w) x 62.5 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the green enamels of the wreath on both sides, replacement ribbon, very fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Black Star was an order of knighthood established on December 1, 1889 at Porto-Novo by Toffa, future king of Dahomey (today the Republic of Benin). Approved and recognized by the French government on July 30, 1894, after the establishment of the new statutes of August 30, 1892, according this distinction to all those who worked to develop French influence on the west coast of Africa. It was awarded in five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.

