France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star of Benin, Grand Officer, by Arthus Bertrand, c.1930

(Ordre de l'Étoile Noire). Instituted in 1892 by Toffa, King of Porto Novo. Type II. 1896-1963  issue. Of French manufacture, Grand Officer set consisting of an enameled white and blue Maltese Cross with elegant gilt edges in silver gilt, featuring sets of multiple rays in each quadrant, with obverse centre exhibiting an enameled black five pointed star, double-sided, suspended by an enameled green laurel wreath also in silver gilt, presenting twice French hallmark denoting silver fineness of .800 silver from 1838 until 1962, marked by maker’s marks of Arthus Bertrand on the loop, measuring 55.05 mm (w) x 86.82 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath and integral ball), presenting toned silver, on the original neck ribbon, very fine; accompanied by the star of the Order, a finely multirayed eight pointed star in silver, the obverse in silver gilt exhibiting a Maltese Cross in white and blue enamels with elegant gilt edges, featuring multiple rays in each quadrant and an enameled black five pointed star on the center, the reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, presenting hallmarked twice by French hallmark denoting silver fineness of .800 silver from 1838 until 1962, marked by maker’s marks of Arthus Bertrand, measuring 89.03 mm (w) x 88.71 mm (h), with toned silver, extremely fine. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.