Liberia. A Humane Order of African Redemption, Grand Cross Set, c.1930

Instituted in January 1879. Of French manufacture, a lovely Grand Cross Set, consisting of the sash badge, in silver gilt, a five point white enamel star with ball finials, smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse central medallion presenting two figures kneeling before a cross, the figures framed within a wreath composed of two branches of laurel leaves and berries, the reverse medallion with hand painted scene of a boat on a beach with a setting sun in the background, surrounded by a blue enamel surround inscribed THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BROUGHT US HERE, the badge is suspended from a large green enamelled wreath, measures 59.2 mm (w) x 86.8 mm (h – inclusive of wreath and integral ball), weighs 52.4 grams, marked on the ring with a Chobillion maker mark also denoting 800 silver fineness, enamel cracks and chips near the tips of the arms, repaired enamels to the reverse 2 o’clock arm, and reverse medallion, worn on a full length original sash badge, light wear and contact marks, remains in very fine condition.

The Star of the Order, multi-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with red and green enamels and illustrating two figures kneeling before a cross, the figures framed within a wreath composed of two branches of laurel leaves and berries, the insignia fronting a white enamelled star with ball finials, mounted to a five-pointed silver gilt star base, with seven smooth rays in each quadrant, reverse presents a single vertical pin, marked with AB&Cie maker mark denoting Bertrand, measuring 79.1 mm (w) x 83.3 mm (h), weighs 112.2 grams, scratches to white enamel arms, repair to tip of 7 and 10 o’clock arms, lovely gilt, remains in very fine condition.