Large nine-pointed white enamel and silver-gilt star, the arms with a gilt central line and two shorter gilt lines, with gilt rays between the arms on each of which is imposed a five-pointed pale blue star, on circular gilt laurel wreath suspension with loop for neck ribbon bearing ‘925’ silver hallmark and maker’s mark of Arthus Bertrand of Paris; the face with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the intertwined letters ‘LR’ (Liberian Republic) and dated ‘1920’ within a pale blue enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BROUGHT US HERE’; the reverse with a circular central gilt medallion bearing an allegorical female figure reaching for a radiant star within a red enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘LIGHT IN DARKNESS’; height excluding suspension loop 94.23mm (3.7 inches), diameter 57.25mm (2.25 inches); slight chips and old repairs to some of the white points, some loss of blue enamel from the stars; on original full neck ribbon with ties. The Order was instituted in 1920 to be awarded to both Liberian citizens and foreigners for distinguished service to the Republic of Liberia or to Africa in public service or in the arts or sciences. A spectacular example of rare order.