Ethiopia, Empire. An Order of Emperor Menelik II, III Class Commander, c.1950

Instituted in 1924. In bronze gilt with red and green enamels, measuring 49.7 mm (w) x 76.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Menelik II is an Ethiopian order established in 1924 by then-Regent Tafari Makonnen, during the reign of Empress Zewditu I, to honour the memory of Emperor Menelik II. It was often referred to as the Order of the Lion, for the lion depicted in the center of the red and green cross. The honour was designed by the Parisian firm Arthus-Betrand, and is presented in five grades: Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, Commander, Officer and Member.