France, Colonial Dahomey. An Order Of The Black Star, Grand Cross, By Arthus Bertrand, C.1910 Hold 1944 and signed in blue

1944 and signed in blue ink by a Captain

passing away on September 25

HK - Herzhausen” on underside

the Battalion trained at Witley Camp

France, Colonial Dahomey. An Order Of The Black Star, Grand Cross, By Arthus Bertrand, C.1910 Hold 1944 and signed in blue(Ordre de l'toile Noire). Instituted on 1 December 1889 at Porto Novo by Toffa, future king of Dahomey (today the Republic of Benin). A silver gilt Maltese cross featuring white enamels with blue borders, clusters of three gilt rays in each quadrant, obverse centre presenting a black enameled star, a mirrored reverse with a large green enameled laurel suspension, hallmarked on elongated suspension loop and integral ring with boars head denoting French