(Ordre de l'Étoile Noire). Instituted on 1 December 1889 at Porto-Novo by Toffa, future king of Dahomey (today the Republic of Benin). In silver gilt, a Maltese cross featuring white enamels with blue borders, clusters of three gilt rays in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a black enamelled star, a mirrored reverse with a large green enamelled laurel suspension, marked on suspension with boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver guarantee post 1838, marked on suspension ring with Bertrand maker mark, measures 55.3mm (w) x 84.6mm (h – inclusive of integral ball suspension on laurel wreath), weighs 53.6 grams, worn on a full length blue silk sash, enamel damage to obverse central star, scattered gilt wear, lovely patina, remains in very fine condition.
The Star of the Order, a silver star with clusters of five smooth rays, the obverse medallion features a blue and white enamelled Maltese cross with central black enamelled star, three gilt rays in each quadrant, the reverse bears a single pin assembly with dual stays, pin marked with boars head and Bertrand makers mark, catch marked with boars head, measures 87.9mm (w) x 88.1mm (h), weighs 86.2 grams, enamels intact, a lovely star in extremely fine condition.
Contained in its case of issue, a dark red leatherette exterior marked R.F., the interior marked ARTHUS BERTRAND PARIS, removable red velvet medalbed with sash storage below, measures 150mm (w) x 298mm (l) x 60mm (d), clasp and hinge functional, remains in extremely fine condition.