French, Colonial. An Order of Anjouan, Grand Officer Miniature in Gold and Diamonds,

(Ordre Royale De L'etoile D'anjouan). Instituted 1874 by Sultan Mohamed-Saïd-Omar. Of fine quality French manufacture, consisting of an eight-armed star in Gold, arms composed of groups of seven smooth rays, with obverse centre presenting an upright gilt hand above a gilt crescent moon on a white enamel background medallion, surrounded by ornate toned ring, surmounted by frosted silver diamond suspension, plain convex reverse, with French unreadable mark on the ring, measuring 13.14 mm (w) x 21.61 mm ( h- inclusive of ring suspension), weighing 2.4 grams, on original period ribbon with rosette and a Gold hanger, light contact, an extraordinary piece in very good condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Star of Anjouan was established in 1874 and it became a colonial French order on September 12, 1896. The Order was one of three orders named an “Order of Overseas France” on September 1, 1950. It was later suppressed when the National Order of Merit was created in 1963.