Order of the Queen of Sheba, Grand Cross Breast Star

SKU: 01.ETH.0103.103.01

Estimated market value:

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Estimated market value:

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Attributes

country

Ethiopia
date of institution

1922
makers

B.A. Seydjian, Addis Ababa
remarks

There seems to be some confusion about the manufacture and authenticity of the decorations. It is unsure whether the examples stamped "MADE IN ETHIOPIA B.A. SEYDJIAN" are in fact genuine, or were made from the original (stolen) dies following the collapse of the Empire in 1974.

History

This Order was established by Empress Zauditu in 1922, although it does not appear to have been awarded until Emperor Haile Selassie I ascended to the throne in 1930. 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 was originally created as an award for women of the Imperial Family, but was later altered by Haile Selassie. It is awarded to members of the Imperial Family, as well as foreign heads of state and their consorts.

The Order was limited to 15 Grand Crosses, 25 Grand Officers, 35 Commanders, 45 Officers, and 55 Knights. Today, it is only conferred in a single class, but it is unknown if there are any statutory membership limitations.

There is limited information regarding this item.