France, Colonial Dahomey. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross, by Arthus Bertrand, c.1910

(Ordre de l'Étoile Noire). Instituted on 1 December 1889 at Porto-Novo by Toffa, future king of Dahomey (today the Republic of Benin). A silver gilt Maltese cross featuring white enamels with blue borders, clusters of three gilt rays in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a black enameled star, a mirrored reverse with a large green enameled laurel suspension, hallmarked on elongated suspension loop and integral ring with boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver guarantee post 1838, makers mark on elongated loop for Arthus Bertrand & Co., measuring 54 mm (w) x 84 mm (h - inclusive of laurels and horizontally pierced ball suspension), with enamel loss to laurels, with mid 20th century sash, near very fine. Accompanied by the attractive star of the order, consisting of a muliple ray eight pointed star, obverse centre with an enameled Maltese cross overlay with clusters of three gilt rays in each quadrant, a black enameled star at centre, reverse with dual stays and principle pin assembly, hallmarked on catch with boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver guarantee post 1838, also double marked with Dutch import/duty mark "vreemd" for used imported objects between 1906 and 1953, maker marked on pin for Arthus Bertrand & Co., measuring 88 mm (w) x 88 mm (h), toned silver, minimal enamel wear, extremely fine.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.