922F

Another aspect of this Order concerns insignia size.  At least Spanish and Italian firms manufactured stars and badges.  My notes indicate that most Spanish [Castells and perhaps Cejalvo] stars measure about 55 to 62 mm diameter with 42 mm badges.   Italian [marked Gardino and Johnson plus not verified Alberti] stars size from about 75 mm to 80 mm with badges from 46 to 55 mm diameter at widest points.    Antonio already indicated that Saada  stars are silver and Fajama and  Sumú-u gilt.   I find no reference to grant of a star with the collar--Antonio have you an idea?  

It appears that these German recipients wear larger size stars.

Statutes indicate, as Antonio noted, that heads of state receive the Kil-lada [collar] grade.  Kai Meyer of Copenhagen had 4 Mehdauia  collars as well as 2 collars of the Order of Hasania, another Spanish Moroccan Order, in his collection in 1980.  Meyer owned an award manufacturing firm; these collars may have been acquired from excess stock of his Spanish colleagues.   He did, however, buy a tremendous number of awards from dealers as well as directly from awardees, some of whom would NOT permit identification.    

All very fine & impressive....may have a few mounted in groups.  Will look and post when found. 

Thank you Graf for your greetings and eclectic treasure display!!  Best wishes for 2022!

Some months ago [6?], he wrote something about a new website.  I sent him a note but [unusually] did not hear back.   Tried again in late October without success.  Certainly hope that he's OK.  

Fascinating thread.   Scandinavian awards almost always appear to have thoughtful & artistic design combined with high quality realization and execution. Miniatures carry those attributes to an even better result!

The bulk of ex-Italian minis stemmed from the Gardino of Roma [Cravanzola, Borani et. al.] liquidation...thousands of items sold over several year period from around 2013.   Much of the Austrian collection formerly in Rothe  'archive' which included material for defunct Austrian manufacturers including Meyer.    Of that source,, often would see a badge & star on ribbon presented together.   Some Spink offered minis from their 'archive' as well, especially Indian Princely State items.   

Echoing Colonel-By, Cinq étoiles!! Formidable!  Chef-d'œuvre factuel absolument complet, détaillé, bien illustré. Historiquement précis, avec des images époustouflantes et une couverture impeccable. Des normes les plus élevées et évidemment un travail d'amour. Recommandez ce livre avec enthousiasme, même à ceux qui ne lisent pas le français. Sincères compliments à l'auteur, M. Martin.  

An absolutely fantastic work even for those who cannot read French.  Complete details, beautiful format & presentation, an excellent value.   Besides an outstanding review of royal symbols and the Order Radama II, readers will find fascinating details regarding international rivalries and intrigue.  The story of design and supply of the Order insignia alone worth double the admission price!   I cannot recommend M. Martin's effort strongly enough!!  May we hope for future works? 

Yes, thanks Dave and Ian,

Ian's cite appears to describe Reitzner's foreign awards as of 1914 being:

it. MLO. R. [Italian Maurice & Lazarus Order, knight], bulg A0-R. 4. [Bulgarian St. Alexander Order, knight 4 -- officer], bulg. MVO-R.  2. u. 4.  [Bulgarian Military Merit Order, knight 2 and 4 th --  grand officer and officer], ott. OO. 2. [Ottoman Osmanie Order 2nd class], and ott. MO. 3. [Ottoman Medjidjie Order 3rd class].   

Bulgarian Civil Merit Order abbreviation appearing in such sources is bulg. ZLO-R. and class number.  Based on image, seems to be disparity or maybe reflects transcription error.

Thanks Dave, couldn't see the forest for the trees!!

Hi Graf,

Thank you for your helpful comment.  It appears that your image depicts an Austrian earlier than 1936, probably pre-1920 judging by uniform.   Might go so far as to say pre-1914 since Maurice & Lazarus cross worn.  Note also the first type Civil Merit first class & officer [?, maybe knight] suspension crowns.   Maybe, as you posit, this signifies a Civil Merit first class with badge worn at neck?   Of course, perhaps he could have dressed in his old uniform to sit for a impressive portrait... 

Enlarging the image reveals that the 'lines' between the star faceting do not appear as with insignia following Boris era statute amendments.    Star body appears to be the same as the common Austro-Hungarian type.  The star facets appear somewhat smaller than seen on Civil Merit Order Grand Cross stars and of different pattern.   [Two facets under outmost facets rather than one as seen in grand cross set.]  

I'm not sure that Meyer made awards post 1920 or so.

I cannot recall whether examples of this type of seemingly made Austrian star seen before formed part of a set or were loose pieces.  One appeared in a late 1970's Klenau Auction, I'll try and find the catalog.  

Could these have been especially commissioned insignia?

Graf, Thank you for this image!  Have seen only about 5 pictures with this type Civil Merit star, one marked with Meyer roundel on reverse, others no maker information available.  Looks like an Austrian or French made Medjidie badge too.

Such  non regulation awards generally exemplify private purchase items much like various nations', including U.S.A., military medals that are anodized, gold-plated, chrome plated, or otherwise embellished.  Often worn by troops performing ceremonial duties.  Sometimes bought by colleagues & presented to holder to celebrate a formal award or bestowal event. 

Medals & miniatures statutorily commissioned in bronze or base materials may be made in silver or gold for similar reasons.  One encounters French  examples most often. 

Of course, some will fake anything... 

Beside searching GMIC and Google, you may find images included among various individuals' names list of honors.  https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/29-receive-independence-awards-2020 will provide a starting list of such names. 

Sometime included within the readily available resources concerning Barbados, you may find reference to the "Order of the Dolphin".  This decoration appears to have existed only as a proposed honor.   

Fantastic groups, thank you for posting!!!

Probably 3rd model, second type 1918-43  Sofia-made [most likely royal mint though the well known badge manufacturer firm Milosheva in Sofia may have subcontracted] silver gilt or bronze gilt.  Other possible manufacturers include Rothe of Vienna [maybe with "silber", 900 {silver content} or Rothe stamp].  Some attribute pieces with 'silber' stamp to German makers. St. Alexander insignia also made in Germany [Zimmerman  reported for jeweled pieces & miniatures] and Godet.   

Any marks/stamps on ring?   Image of reverse?

只是一个简单的树艺师！！   Nur ein einfacher Baumpfleger !!      Just a simple Arborist!!  What would he have received had he [arranged for] roof repair?

Thanks to all who contributed to this fascinating thread!  The range of awards to an individual represented by these groups and identification of their original owners far exceeds expectancy. 

Hard to say.  LoH maybe 4th [1946-58] or 5th [1958-present] republic; BE Leopold unilingual so possibly before 1951; Black Star established 1889 suspended 1963.  However, mini groups often assembled from existing [old on hand] stocks & some people chose to use specific designs [for #1 or #2 above] over what would have been appropriate at time of award.  

Here's a Liberian group with [silver-gilt] Pole Star

Hardly anything on-line.  Insignia appear on French eBay and European auction sites maybe once every couple of years.  Varying qualities of info therein.   Jerome [QUIVIVEFRANCE@aol.com] illustrates  it.   A couple of print compilations -- including Jerome -- discuss it.   Jerome probably is the most knowledgeable student of such private, self-styled or  'ephemeral'' awards.  

Hi Graf,  Thanks for your work on this thread!   What is item pictured directly above?   Have seen same format but with reverse disk for button hole wear.

Badge of the Society of [French] {Military} Engineers, a Franco-Belgian so-called private decoration originally comprised of 3 classes later expanded to 5 with insignia in usual French format.   Name & insignia format have changed over the years.  Group appears to have been most active post-WW II through 1980's.

Fantastic item in original card case, thanks for sharing.   First time to seen an award case with Andronikai's label.  Any stamps or other marks on the card case?

Searching for a Columbia Order Boyaca Grand Cross Sash.   Color & format as below.  Suggestions Welcome!

Thanks to all!!