Liberia - Republic of: Order of the Star of Africa, 3rd Class Grand Commander Grade neck badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamels, the ribbon eyelet with ‘A.C.’ makers in initials and ‘.950’ stamp for A. Chobillon and 950 silver fineness. Complete with original silk ribbon with attached neck ties indicative of wear. A relatively early example and an impressive looking piece of insignia.
Condition: the enamel band on the obverse is lacking the enamel, but appears to be as produced, Good Very Fine.
Instituted in 1920, the Order of the Star of Africa is presented in five grades, Knight, Officer, Grand Commander, Grand Officer, and Grand Cross. Liberian and foreign citizens may be invested with the order for distinguished service to the Republic of Liberia or to Africa in public service or in the arts and sciences.
The badge and star of the Order of the Star of Africa is a nine-pointed white enamel and silver gilded star. Between the arms of the star are gilt rays with a five-pointed pale blue star superimposed on the rays. On the obverse of the insignia, in the centre, is a circular gilded medallion bearing the intertwined letters LR above the date 1920, surrounded by a pale blue enamel ring. On the ring are the gold letters The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here. The reverse of the badge is identical to the obverse except for the central medallion, which bears an allegorical female figure reaching for a shining star surrounded by a red enamel ring. The ring is inscribed in gold letters Light in Darkness.
