Egypt, Kingdom. An Order of the Nile, Grand Officer Set by Lattes, in Gold, c.1928

(Kiladat El Nil). Instituted in 1915. Type II (1926-). The badge in Gold and silver, ten-pointed silver gilt star base, the obverse with a white enamelled five-armed star with a silver gilt center inscribed in blue enamels, surrounded by a 22k Gold ring, on a crown suspension, the reverse marked with Arabic inscription, as well as an Alexandria assay mark and silver standard mark, as well as a cat (National Mark used between 1916 and 1946), and date marked “C” (1927-28), measuring 63.3 mm (w) x 93.7 mm (h) including its Gold crown suspension, weighing 52.6 grams, correct neck ribbon, enamels intact, extremely fine condition.  Accompanied by the Grand Officer star, in Gold and silver, a white enamelled five-armed star, with a silver gilt center inscribed in blue enamels, surrounded by a 22k Gold ring, mounted on a ten-pointed star base with clusters of faceted rays, the reverse marked with LATTES, as well as an Alexandria assay mark and silver standard mark, as well as a cat (National mark used between 1916 and 1946), and date marked “C” (1927-28), measuring 88.4 mm (h) x 77.7 mm (w), weighing 88.6 grams, extremely fine condition. 

The set is housed in its original navy case of issue with impressed with gilt decor, white satin interior with a velvet medal bed, marked MAISON LATTES on the lid, measures 12.5 cm (w) x 24.5 cm (l) x 6 cm (d), areas of wear in the top corners, and along the left side of the lid, clasp and hinge functional, remains in very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of the Nile was instituted on April 14th, 1915, by Sultan Hussein Kamel, as the Kingdom of Egypt's highest State honor. The Order is conferred upon Egyptian Nationals and other foreigners in recognition of exceptionally valuable, distinguished, or meritorious public service to the Nation or throne. Both civilian and military service is eligible for the award. The Order was restructured into 2 classes in 1926 and was further reconstituted under the Arab Republic of Egypt on June 18, 1953. However, the Order still maintains its status as the highest state award.