France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Breast Star by Bertrand Archive functionally pushbutton

functionally pushbutton

possibly because it was adopted on Saint Joseph's Day

This is a fine early model and very fine quality manufacture and extremely well preserved German Cross in Silver (Deutsches Kreuz in Silber) by a desirable maker

overlaid by crossed swords

Torgauerstr

France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Breast Star by Bertrand Archive functionally pushbuttonInstituted May 10, 1896 by the King of Porto Novo. In silver, an eight point star with cluster of five smooth rays, the medallion superimposed presenting a white and blue enamelled Maltese Cross, with a five point black enamel star in the center, the reverse with a single vertical pin flanked by dual stays, marked with a boars head denoting French manufacture and small silver guarantee post 1838, makers mark of Arthus Bertrand, measures 88 mm (w) x 88