Dahomey, Republic of Benin. An Order of the Black Star of Benin, V Class, Knight

(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, measuring 37.3 mm (w) x 62.2 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the blue enamels on the reverse of the arms at 6 and 9 o'clock, along with scattered chipping in the green enamels on both sides of the wreath, original ribbon sewn in place to a suspension bar with ball finials at either end, 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.