France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Set, by Bertrand Auction in a two-piece bronze cross-shaped

in a two-piece bronze cross-shaped frame (200 mm x 200 mm)

measures 154mm (w) x 60mm (l) x 15mm (d)

seeing service during the Spanish-American War

He became the ship's First Lieutenant under Commander Dick Dymott

France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Set, by Bertrand Auction in a two-piece bronze cross-shapedInstituted May 10, 1896 by the King of Porto Novo. A Grand Cross Badge in silver gilt and enamels, presenting a white and blue enamelled Maltese Cross, with a five point black enamel star in the center, reverse mirrors the obverse, surmounted by a green enamelled wreath, marked on integral suspension with boars head denoting French manufacture and silver fineness, measures 55. 1mm (w) x 84. 2 mm (h), enamels intact, light wear and contact marks,