Miniature ten-pointed rayed silver star on gilt wreath suspension; the face with a laurel wreath supporting a five-pointed white enamel star with a central circular red enamel medallion bearing the gilt inscription ‘Al-Hussein ibn Ali’ in Arabic characters; the reverse plain; height 28.6mm (1.12 inches), diameter 17.75mm (0.7 inch); hallmarked and maker’s mark on the suspension ring; on original ribbon. The Wisam al-Istiqlal was established by Emir Hussein I ibn Ali in 1921 as an award for civilian or military merit whilst he was ruler of the Hejaz. In 1924 ibn Saud ousted Hussein and founded what became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hussein fled to Cyprus and later settled in Amman, his son Abdullah having become Emir of Transjordan in 1921. The order was adopted by the Emirate (later Kingdom) of Transjordan. Abdullah became King Abdullah I and the current King of Jordan is his great-grandson. The Order continues to be awarded. A very fine example of high quality.
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