Ethiopia, Empire. An Order of Solomon's Seal, Knight Grand Cross Star, c.1955

Instituted in 1884. Type I. (to 1936) or Government in Exile (1941-1973). In bronze gilt, insignia with ball finials at each ot the star points, mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with five emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, measuring 87.3 mm (w) x 88 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Solomon's Seal was instituted in 1874 by Emperor Yohannes IV and awarded in four grades: Knight Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander and Knight. It is believed that the Grand Cross grade only is awarded today.