France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star of Benin, Grand Cross

Dahomey (now Benin): Grand Cross: four-piece construction, hallmarked on the ring, silver gilt with blue, white, black, green and red enamels, measuring 54.5 mm x 85 mm inclusive of its wreath and ball suspension, on a shortened sash; and Breast Star: three-piece construction, silver gilt with blue, white and black enamelled insignia, mounted to a eight-pointed star base, hallmarked and French maker marked on the pin, 86.5 mm x 87 mm, vertical pinback flanked by dual prongs. chipping evident in the black enamels on the star on the Breast Star, otherwise the enamels are intact, extremely fine.