Uncategorised Zaire/Congo - Ordre National du Zaïre

[JapanX]

This one was established on December 2, 1968.

It has five classes

Grand Cordon

Grand Officier

Commandeur

Officier

Chevalier

Order had military and civilian division for services to the state.

Swords are added to the orders that are issued for military service.

This is how Grand Cordon from P. De Greef, Bruxelles from my collection looks like

Badge

Obverse

[JapanX]

Reverse

[JapanX]

Details

[JapanX]

Central medallions

[JapanX]

Tell you the truth I would expect somehow better quality from such old-timer as De Greef

[JapanX]

Found some interesting mark (?) on one ray at obverse

[JapanX]

Badge characteristics

Weight - 96,4 g

Height - 79,5 mm /without ring 74,2 mm

Windth - 74,82 mm

[JapanX]

Breast star

Obverse

[JapanX]

Reverse

[JapanX]

Pins up!

Mark

[JapanX]

Breast star characteristics

Weight - 202 g (really heavy!)

Diameter - somewhere between 84,04 and 84,54 mm

[JapanX]

Interesting information gives us this site http://www.themedalhound.com/drc/noz.html

De Greef of Brussels made the Civilian Division version. Arthus Bertrand of Paris made the Military Division version. As the relationship between Mobutu and the Belgian authorities chilled, the contract for the manufacture of Zaire's medals was moved to the French firm. In part this also was done to recognize France's support during the internal insurrections in Zaire.

Hmmmm...

But what we will do then with De Greef breast stars with swords

[JapanX]

Like this one for example

[922F]

Massive set Nick!--in every sense of the word. Will check mine [in a few days] to see if it bears the "V" mark. Quality of enamel work is low sometimes resulting in 'pop-out' although gilding usually excellent. These are not easily found--congratulations!

Edited July 29, 2014 by 922F

[JapanX]

Glad you liked it

Please don`t forget to show your set

[Marco Gollino]

Hi guys

Desperately looking for an officer class of L'Ordre National du Zaire (military division) if anyone has one they'd like to sell?

Thanks

[bilylev]

I have just obtained this piece.