Liberia, order of the Star of Africa

[Markus]

Commander's Badge and Breast Star- Order of the Star of Africa, Instituted 1920. Obv. 9-pointed star, rays and pale blue stars in the angles, red enamel center band is inscribed LIGHT IN DARKNESS around female reaching for a star. The reverse center is encircled in pale blue with THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BROUGHT US HERE around monogram PL 1920. This was one of Liberia's two oldest Orders, seldom seen today as it was virtually superseded by the Order of African Redemption before the disintegration of Liberian government and society following Sergeant Doe's 1980 coup d'etat and murder of President Tolbert. The order has borrowed design elements from the Portuguese Order of Villa Vicosa. I will post a side by side comparison as well.

Markus

[Markus]

Reverse of Commanders badge.

Edited May 2, 2011 by Markus

[Markus]

This is the side by side comparison. On the left is the Liberian Star of Africa, on the right is the Portugal Order of Villa Vicosa.

[drclaw]

VERY nice Markus! Congratulations on your purchase.

I've been eyeing the Star of Africa for awhile now. Interesting to hear they are rarely if ever awarded now and my well be obsolete.

Any thoughts on where these would have been made?

Gavin

[Elie Ghossoub]

Hi,

I just bought this order with many other rare items, the one i have is the grand cordon, with Sash and Breast star. Does any one know its real value?

[Markus]

Hi Elie,

I have seen the breast star solo sell for $400 to $600 US. The whole set sells for more. Emedals has a full set by Chobillon selling for $1400 US. The design and beauty of this order makes it one of my favorites. French firms such as Lemaitre, Bertrand and Chobillon made this medal. So a very nice addition to your collection.

https://www.emedals.com/Pages/DirectSale/DirectSaleItemDetails.aspx?id=8354

Markus

[Elie Ghossoub]

Thanks for the reply, i will be posting more rare orders i bought :)