History

The Order of the Star of Anjouan was established in 1874 and it became a colonial French order on September 12, 1896. The Order was one of three orders named an “Order of Overseas France” on September 1, 1950. It was later suppressed when the National Order of Merit was created in 1963.

The Order was awarded for overseas service in Indian Ocean territories (Comoros, Madagascar, Reunion, etc) of 3 years, and for service in colonial expansion. After 1933, the minimum service requirement was extended to 9 years.

During the first three years of the Order, the crosses were suspended from red ribbons with white trim. These were deemed to be too similar to the ribbons of the Legion of Honour, and after December 5, 1899 the crosses were suspended from pale blue ribbons with orange trim.

The obverse inscription is written in both French and Arabic and translates to “The Royal Order of the Star of Anjouan.”

There is a great deal of variety in this Order, and decorations vary in size, composition, and manufacturer.