Order of Solomon, Grand Cross Badge
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.ETH.0101.102.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A locally made, possibily unique hand engraved Gold badge in the shape of a Star of David with interior cross, surmounted by an Ethiopian Crown suspension with engraved horned crown adorned by surmounting cross in center, center obverse bearing hatching details with five glass beads in the form of a cross, a black bead in the center with one green bead at 12 and 6 o’clock and one red bead at 3 and 9 o’clock, center reverse presents careful hand-engraved hatching with an ethiopian phrase across the top horizontal arm and the 2 o’clock to 6 o’clock arm, the reverse suspension crown, also heavily hand engraved with ornate designs and imperial crown, bears a single vertical loop attached at two points for ribbon suspension, well hallmarked on both the integral loop of the badge attaching to suspension and loop denoting a Dutch import mark (from 1955) and gold fineness of 833, notable edge bruising on reverse with large chip near point of 6 o’clock arm.
This Order was established by Tafari Makonnen in 1922 acting as regent, although it had been proposed some 9 years earlier by the British Minister to Ethiopia. It was created as a special class of the Order of the Seal of Solomon, but by the time it was awarded by Makonnen as Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930, it had become an entirely separate award. The Order was discontinued as a state award following the collapse of the Empire in 1974. It is currently awarded as a dynastic order by the Crown Council of Ethiopia.
It is conferred upon the Emperor and Empress of Ethiopia, other members of the Imperial Family, and foreign monarchs.
The Grand Cross Badge features a Ge’ez inscription that can be translated to “The Queen of Sheba Came to Hear Solomon’s Wisdom.” It may be worn on a green ribbon when it is not suspended from the collar.
There is limited information regarding this item.
Comments
Sign in to comment and reply.
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNT
Scroll Top
