Comoros - Order of the Star of Anjouan (3rd Class)
Country: Comoros (Anjouan)
Order Name: Ordre Royal de l'Étoile d'Anjouan (Royal Order of the Star of Anjouan)
Class: 3rd Class – Commander (Neck Badge)
Dimensions: 65.30 x 60.75 mm
Type: Neck Badge (Ribbon missing)
Established: 1874 by Sultan Said Omar bin Said
Awarded for: Diplomatic, civil, and military merit
Design Features
Material: Gilded bronze with enameled details
Shape: Eight-pointed starburst
Central Medallion:
White enamel background featuring an upright gilded hand on a crescent (symbolizing peace and protection).
French inscription: "Ordre Royal de l'Étoile d'Anjouan - Comores"
Arabic script above the hand, reflecting the Islamic heritage of the Sultanate.
Suspension:
Traditional loop ring for a neck ribbon (missing).
Designed to be worn as a Commander’s badge.
Condition
Enamel wear: Small chipping visible in the medallion (please refer to pictures).
Gilding: Light wear on high points, but overall well-preserved.
Neck ribbon is missing.
Historical Significance
Originally established as a royal order of the Sultanate of Anjouan.
Later incorporated into the French Colonial Honors System, often awarded to French military officers, colonial administrators, and diplomats.
The Commander Class (3rd Class) was typically awarded to high-ranking officials or distinguished civilians.
This is a rare and collectible example of a French colonial-era honor, particularly desirable among collectors of African royal orders, French protectorate decorations, and colonial awards.
For more details on its condition, please refer to the provided images.