An extremely fine and rare example of the Moroccan Order of Ouissam Hafidien, 1910-1913 issue, Commander’s neck badge in Arthus Bertrand, Paris, presentation, circa 1910, attributed to Marc Varenne, Senior Private Secretary to President Armand Fallières, President of the Republic of France (1906-1913).
Morocco - Order of Ouissam Hafidien, 1910-1913 issue, Commander’s neck badge, silver, gilt and enamels, 77mm x 62mm, 38g, obverse a six-pointed silver-gilt star superimposed on a six-pointed rayed star, each arm consisting of a set of five beaded-edged rays, on circular gilt palm wreath suspension; the face with a circular central deep red medallion inscribed in Arabic ‘His Majesty Hafidien’ within a white enamel ring, the arms of the gilt star inscribed in Arabic ‘There is no God but Allah and Mahomet is his Prophet’ with silver, gilt one enamels, the reverse impressed with makers details, Arthus Bertrand & C. / 46 Rue de Rennes Paris, in leatherettepresentation case, the inner silk lid marked Arthus Bertrand / Beranger & Magdelaine / 46 Rue de Rennes / Paris, suspended from gilt wreath, ring loop suspension, the loop with silver marks, complete with full neck ribbon.
Condition: An outstanding example, attractively toned, Extremely Fine and rare.
The Order was founded by Moulay Abd el Hafid, Sultan of Morocco, on 7 August 1910 in five classes to recognise exceptional service in both military and civil fields. French and Spanish protectorates were imposed on Morocco by the Treaty of Fes on 30 March 1912 and the Sultan abdicated on 12 August 1912, being succeeded by of his half-brother, Moulay Youssef. On 11 January 1913 the Order was replaced by the Order of Ouissam Alaouite and it thus had a life of just two years and five months. As a consequence it is rare in all classes.
From the estate of, and attributed to, Mac Varenne, Senior Private Secretary to President Armand Fallières, President of the Republic of France (1906-1913).
