#62 • French Colonial Order Of The Black Star Of Benin - Knight

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $70.00

Status: Sold

French Colonial Order Of The Black Star Of Benin: Knight French Colonial Order Of The Black Star Of Benin, 5th Class (Knight). Medal exhibits slight surface wear and perfect enamel. Medal is in extremely fine condition and presents correct ribbon and double straight pin ribbon back for attachment to uniform. Estimate: $150 - $250 Historical Background: The Order of the Black Star (Ordre de l'Étoile Noire) was a French Colonial Order of Knighthood established on December 1, 1889, by Toffa, the future King of Dahomey (now the Republic of Benin), at Porto-Novo. It was later recognized and integrated into the French colonial system. This order was presented by both France and Benin and was organized into five classes or degrees: Grand-Croix (Grand Cross), Commandeur avec Plaque (Commander with Plaque), Commandeur (Commander), Officier (Officer), and Chevalier (Knight). The title "Knight" (Chevalier) represents the lowest degree of the order. The Order of the Black Star remained in use until December 3, 1963, when it was officially deprecated by decree and superseded by the Ordre National du Mérite in France. Although the order is no longer actively awarded, extant members are permitted to wear their original decorations. It is often referred to in connection with French Colonial history in West Africa, particularly in the region of Benin (formerly Dahomey).