(Ordre National de la Côte d'Ivoire). Instituted April 10, 1961. 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, marked twice by maker’s mark of A. Chobillon in Paris denoting content of 950 of silver purity, measuring 56.20 mm (w) x 63.66 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), suspended by a loop suspension on original neck ribbon, slightly toned silver, silver lost, and minor loss of red enamel on the 6 o’clock arm, otherwise extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Breast Star, an enameled white red-framed Maltese Cross in silver, embellished by clusters of three outgoing silver rays in each quadrant, the obverse with a circular central gilt medallion bearing an engraved facing-front elephant within a wreath of palm, encircled by an enameled green ring inscribed REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D’IVOIRE in gilt letters, the reverse with principal central pin assembly, marked on the pin by maker’s mark of A. Chobillon in Paris denoting silver content of 950, measuring 82.95 mm (w) x 81.80 mm (h), slightly toned silver and silver lost, presenting casting red enamel on the 12 o’clock arm, otherwise very fine condition. The set is contained in a hardshelled stylized striped “snake skin” case, the interior lid is in white-cream silk, along with a recessed bed medal in white-cream cotton, measuring 100 mm (w) x 33 mm (h) x 209 mm (l), presenting wearing edges, functional but rusted push-button, good condition.
Footnote: The Order was instituted by Law on December 10, 1960, months later Ivory Coast had became independent on 7 August that year. It is the Ivory Coast’s highest award and is given for personal merit and services rendered to the nation. The insignia of the Order were made by A. Chobillon in Paris.