Benin. An Order of Merit, Knight, c. 1970

Instituted October 24, 1961. In silver, a green enamelled five point star with ball finials, one long silver ray in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a red enamelled geographic shape of the country on a gilt field with rays, with a white enamelled ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE DU DAHOMEY MERITE DU BENIN, reverse is plain, measures 38.4mm (w) x 42.3mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension), weighs 13.4 grams, marked on ring AB & Cie denoting Arthus Bertrand manufacture, enamels intact, in very fine condition.