Ordre de l'Étoile Africaine. Instituted in 1888 by King Leopold II. In bronze gilt, a white enamel star with blue enamel borders and ball finials, a large green enamel wreath in each quadrant joining at 12 o’clock, the obverse center medallion presents a bronze gilt star on a blue enamel field surrounded by the inscription TRAVAIL ET PROGRES, the reverse medallion presents the cypher LSL on a red enamel field, the badge is surmounted by a large royal crown, measures 56.40mm (w) x 90.19mm (h – including crown suspension), weighs 56.0 grams (including ribbon), worn on original neck ribbon, minor crazing to red enamel field, small repairs to green enamel wreath, overall near extremely fine condition.
Accompanied by a brown leatherette hardshell case, interior presents a brown velvet flat bed with two small metal hooks, measures 97.57mm (w) x 146.12mm (l) x 26.08mm (d), stains to exterior lid, very fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of the African Star was established by King Leopold II of the Belgians on December 30, 1888, in his capacity as ruler of the Congo Free State and was awarded for services to Congo and for the "promotion of African civilization in general". It was incorporated into the Belgian honours system on October 10, 1908 following the annexation of the Congo Free State by Belgium.