France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Set, by Bertrand Province of China 3rd Class 1941 (bronzed zinc

3rd Class 1941 (bronzed zinc

with POWs in uniform

a forced labour camp populated primarily by Polish inmates

the reverse bearing a central date of “13 MÄRZ 1938”

It is also encompassed by a multi-piece beige rayon liner

France, Colonial. An Order of the Black Star, Grand Cross Set, by Bertrand Province of China 3rd Class 1941 (bronzed zincInstituted 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,