Large five-pointed white enamel and gilt star with ball-tipped finials and with rays between the arms, on laurel branch suspension, with loop for neck ribbon with maker’s mark ‘AB’ (Arthus Bertrand); the face with a circular central medallion bearing a lion standing facing left, a star above within a red enamel ring inscribed ‘REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL • UN PEUPLE • UN BUT • UNE FOI’ (Republic of Senegal, One People, One Aim, One Faith); the reverse plain with a circular central medallion bearing the Senegalese flag in green, yellow and red enamel within a laurel wreath border; height excluding suspension loop 75mm (2.95 inches), width 57.87mm (2.28 inches); on original full neck ribbon with ties; with lapel buttonhole rosette; in rather battered fitted case of issue by Arthus Bertrand, Paris. The Order was instituted on 22 October 1960 and modified in 1962 and 1964. It remains Senegal’s highest honour, awarded for exceptional merit and service to the nation and is both a civil and military honour. A superb example in excellent condition.
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