Zanzibar, British Protectorate. An Order of the Brilliant Star of Zanzibar, I Class Grand Cross Star Case

Type VII Ali II bin Hamud (1902-1911). (el kaukeb el dourrl). Instituted in 1875. Hardshelled with a wooden frame, wavy maroon textured fabric exterior, cypher of Ali II bin Hamud (reign 1902-1911) on the lid, crowned "ELKINGTON & Co THE OLD MANSION HOUSE 73.CHEAPSIDE LONDON." maker mark on the white satin inside lid, the crown flanked by a "V" and "R", triple-slotted violet velvet medal bed designed for the pinback and stays of the star, wide hinge, push release, measuring 111 mm (w) x 113.5 mm (h) x 43 mm (d), the exterior with wear evident along the edges and on the bottom, wear and fraying present in the fabric overlying the hinged area, three holes in the violet velvet of the medal bed due to rubbing up against the points of the star, very fine.

Footnote: The Order was instituted by Sultan Sayyid Majid bin Said Al-Busaid in 1865, amended by Sultan Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid on December 22, 1875, and amended again by Sultan Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said on August 5, 1918, when it became an award in five classes for meritorious service: First Class (limited to 40 recipients), Second Class (limited to 60 recipients), Third Class (limited to 80 recipients), Fourth Class (limited to 90 recipients), and Fifth Class (limited to 100 recipients). The Order ceased to be awarded in 1964.