France, Republic. An Order Of The Black Star, Grand Cross Set, By Bertrand Auction Archive 6 mm x 109 mm

6 mm x 109 mm inclusive of its crown and dragon suspension

with original signature at the bottom

27 mm (h - inclusive of crown and integral ring)

Gardino ROMA" on the inside lid

As matches were a rare

France, Republic. An Order Of The Black Star, Grand Cross Set, By Bertrand Auction Archive 6 mm x 109 mm(Ordre de l'toile Noire). Instituted on 1 December 1889 at Porto Novo by Toffa, future king of Dahomey (today the Republic of Benin). In silver gilt, a Maltese cross featuring white enamels with blue borders, clusters of three gilt rays in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a black enamelled star, a mirrored reverse with a large green enamelled laurel suspension, marked on suspension with boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver