Liberia. An Order of the Star of Africa, Grand Commander, by Chobillon, c.1950

Instituted in 1920. A Grand Commander Set in silver gilt, the badge consisting of a nine-point white enamel star with silver rays in each quadrant portraying a blue enamelled five point star on top of the rays, the obverse medallion features a female figure reaching towards a star in the sky, surrounded by a red enamelled ring inscribed LIGHT IN DARKNESS, the reverse medallion depicts the cypher LR in gilt, with the date 1920 below, surrounded by a light blue enamelled ring inscribed THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BROUGHT US HERE, the badge is surmounted by a wreath suspension, measures 56.7mm (w) x 91.6mm (h – including wreath suspension), weighs 72.9 grams (including ribbon), marked with makers mark at base of wreath suspension and on elongated loop denoting A. Chobillon and 950 silver fineness, worn on original neck ribbon, enamels intact, light gilt wear, in extremely fine condition. The Grand Commander Star in silver gilt, features the same nine-point white enamelled star with rays between each quadrant with blue enamelled stars atop the rays, the obverse medallion presents a female figure reaching towards a star in the sky, surrounded by a red enamelled ring with the inscription LIGHT IN DARKNESS, the reverse presents a vertical pin with dual stays, the pin and catch are marked with A. Chobillon makers mark, the star measures 72.8mm (w) x 72.6mm (h), weighs 81.3 grams, minor enamel chip in the inscription ring below “KEN” otherwise enamels intact, hinge and catch functional, in very fine condition.

Contained in a red case, interior denotes A. Bacqueville Paris manufacture, the base presents two medalbed sections for a badge and star with small neck ribbon storage area, the case measures 135mm (w) x 290mm (h) x 45mm (d), hinge and clasp functional, in very fine condition.

Footnote: This Order is conferred upon Liberian citizens and foreigners in recognition of distinguished service to Liberia or Africa, in the fields of literature, public service, the arts or sciences.