#61 • France, Colonial Somaliland - Order of Nichan El Anouar - Knight

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

Starting at $100.00

Status: No sale

France, Colonial Somaliland - Order of Nichan El Anouar - Knight French Protectorate of Somaliland-Order of Nichan El Anouar, 5th Class (Knight). Medal exhibits slight surface wear with some enamel damage and loss on surround of central medallion. Medal is in good condition and presents correct ribbon. Estimate: $200 - $300 Historical Background: The Ordre du Nichan El-Anouar (Order of the Light) was a colonial order of merit established in October 1887 by the Tadjourah Sultanate in French Somaliland (present-day Djibouti). It later became a French Colonial Order through decrees in May 1896 and December 1899. The order featured five degrees: Grand-Croix (Grand-Cross), Grand-Officier (Grand-Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Officier (Officer), and Chevalier (Knight). This award was given for overseas service, particularly in the Somalian Coast territories or central Africa, and for service related to colonial expansion. The Order of Nichan El-Anouar was officially abolished on December 3, 1963, as a result of an order reform which established the National Order of Merit (Ordre National du Mérite). However, those who had previously been awarded the Order retained the right to wear its badges even after its abolition. The rank of "Knight" (Chevalier) was the lowest of the five degrees within the order.