Item number: M231-2

Year: AD 1889-1914

Material: Gold and Enamel

Provenance: Morton & Eden 2024

This is a miniature version of the Order of the Black Star, issued by the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin), which was a French protectorate in Africa.

The obverse and reverse designs of the medal are identical, exhibiting strong French stylistic influence. The medal takes the form of a Maltese cross with alternating blue and white enamel stripes bordered in gold. At the centre lies a five-pointed black star outlined in gold, while radiating rays fill the spaces between the cross arms. The medal is suspended from a laurel wreath attachment at the top.

The Order of the Black Star was established on December 1, AD 1889, by Toffa I, the founder of the Kingdom of Dahomey. It consisted of five classes and was primarily awarded to French colonial officials stationed in Dahomey. The order remained in use until December 3, AD 1963, when it was replaced by the National Order of Merit of France.

物件編號: M231-2

年代: 公元 1889-1914 年

材質: 黃金和琺瑯

來源: 莫頓與伊登 2024

這是一枚來自法國於非洲的保護國達荷美王國(貝寧) 發行的迷你版「黑星勳章」。

勳章正反兩面的設計皆相同，其風格深受法國影響。勳章外觀為鑲著金邊的藍白條紋相錯的馬爾它十字架，正中央是一枚鑲金邊的五角黑星，十字架之間以輻射狀的光芒作為裝飾。勳章頂端則銜接一個月桂花環的懸掛裝飾。

黑星勳章於公元1889年12月1日，由達荷美王國的開創者托法一世設立，總計有五個等級，其主要頒發對象為派駐於達荷美王國的法國殖民地官員。黑星勳章持續沿用至公元1963年12月3日，才改由「法國國家功績勳章」取代。