Ivory Coast, Republic. A National Order of the Republic, Knight by A. Chobillon,

(Ordre National de la Côte d'Ivoire). Instituted April 10, 1961. Of French manufacture, Of French manufacture, an enameled white red-framed Maltese Cross in silver gilt, adorned by a fine enameled green laurel wreath in each quadrant, the obverse with a central gilt medallion featuring an engraved facing-front elephant within a wreath of palm, circumscribed by an enameled green border inscribed REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D’IVOIRE in gilt letters, the reverse with a central gilt medallion inscribed UNION DISCIPLINE TRAVAIL on a pebbled ground, within a circular laurel wreath, ring marked by maker’s mark of A. Chobillon in Paris denoting content of 950 of silver purity, measuring38.30mm (w) x 43.65mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension ball), weighs 20.6 grams (including ribbon), worn on original orange ribbon with dual prongs on reverse, loss of gilt to elephant trunk on obverse, small loss of enamel to 12 o’clock ring on obverse medallion, small hairline cracks on white enamel arms of reverse, overall in very fine condition.

Footnote: The National Order of Côte d'Ivoire was established shortly after the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire declared independence from France in 1960. It is conferred upon Ivorians in recognition of meritorious services rendered to the nation. Members of the Order must be at least 30 years old and have rendered a minimum of 15 years of excellent public service, or 20 years of excellent private-sector service.