(Ordre National de la Côte d'Ivoire). A scarce enameled white red-framed Maltese crossin silver gilt, adorned by a detailed enameled green laurel wreath in each quadrant, the obverse with a circular central gilt medallion bearing an engraved facing-front elephant within a wreath of palm, encircled by an enameled green ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D’IVOIRE in gilt letters, the reverse with a circular central gilt medallion inscribed UNION DISCIPLINE TRAVAIL on a pebbled ground, within a circular laurel wreath, marked twice by maker’s mark of A. Chobillon in Paris denoting content of 950 of pure silver, measuring 56.31 mm (w) x 62.75 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), suspended by a loop suspension on original neck ribbon, slightly tarnished silver and minor loss of green enamel, otherwise extremely fine condition. Accompanied by a miniature rosette ribbon to wear on a button. The set is contained in a hard-shelled striped red case, the bottom exterior presents a maker label in French and German with the name and class of the order, the interior lid is in white-cream silk inscribed by the maker’s name EST A CHOBILLON PARIS, with recessed bed medal in white-cream cotton, measuring 87 mm (w) x 33 mm (h) x 128 mm (l), presenting minor wearing surface, functional push-button, very good condition.
Footnote: The Order was instituted by Law on December 10, 1960, months later Ivory Coast had became independent on 7 August that year. It is the Ivory Coast’s highest award and is given for personal merit and services rendered to the nation. The insignia of the Order were made by A. Chobillon in Paris.