Liberia, Republic. An Order Of African Redemption, I Class Grand Commander Set

Instituted in January 1879. The Badge of the Order, in silver gilt, the 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 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, the badge is suspended from a large green enamelled wreath, measures 62 mm (w) x 101.5 mm (h – inclusive of wreath and integral ball), weighs 54.8 grams, dent to central medallion, loss of enamels to both green enamel wreaths, remains in very fine condition.

Accompanied by 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, unmarked, measuring 81 mm (w) x 82.5 mm (h), dual stays on the reverse, chipping evident in the white enamels on the tip of the star point at 9:30 o'clock, extensive chipping and loss in the red and green enamels on the wreath surrounding the two kneeling figures, missing its vertical pinback on the reverse, fine.

Footnote: The Order of African Redemption was instituted on January 13, 1879, and is conferred upon individuals in recognition of humanitarian service to the nation, and to those who have made significant contributions to the emancipation of African Americans, in three grades: I Class Grand Commander, II Class Knight Commander and III Class Officer.