An interesting and somewhat uncommon order here. This authentic National Order of the Ivory Coast is a 4th Class (Commander's Grade) exampe of the order and comes complete with matching rosette and award box. Some very slight enamel damage is present to the lower left area of the center medallion. Award box is clearly marked for the factory of Chobillon, Paris.
The National Order of the Ivory Coast was founded on 10 April 1961 to celebrate the independence of the Ivory Coast which was until 1960 a French colony. As the highest state honour, it is awarded to those who have highly distinguished themselves to the service to the state.
The medal of the order is constituted of a white-enamelled cross of Malta, bordered in red, surrounded by a green crown of laurel. At the centre of the cross in a gold medallion showing a frontal elephant surrounded by a crown of laurel, the whole surrounded by a green-enamelled ring with golden inscription "REPUBLIQUE DE COTE D'IVOIRE" ("Republic of Ivory Coast").
