Orders of Ranavalona III made by Chobillion, Paris

The Order of Ranavolo III /a.k.a. Royal Order of Madagascar/ was founded by Queen Ranavalona III in May 1896 as a reward for military and civil service.

The five classes of appointment to the Order are, in descending order of precedence

Grand-croix /Grand Cordon/
Grand officier /Grand Officer/
Commandeur /Commander/
Officier /Officer/
Chevalier /Knight/

The insignia of the order is a seven pointed silver star made up out of spears. The oval medallion bears the letters "RM" for Ranavalo Manjaka III. The ribbon of the order is white with a red canton.

According to the Christopher Buyers order was limited in total to 654 national and 309 French subjects, and an unlimited number of foreigners.

Order was abolished along with the Malagasy monarchy on 28 February 1897.


Breast star.

Silver, gilt, strass stones, enamel.
Size 99 x 92.5 mm.

Marked with a French silver hallmark "boar's head".

 

5th class order /Knight/.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 68 x 41 mm.

Marked with a French silver hallmark "boar's head".

 

Another example of 5th class order /Knight/.

 

4th class order /Officer/.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 41 mm.

Marked with a French silver hallmark "boar's head". Ribbon rosette and Chobillion workshop plaque are missing.

 

4th class order /Officer/ with ribbon rosette and Chobillion workshop plaque.

Silver, gilt, enamel.
Size 69 x 41 mm.

Marked with a French silver hallmark "boar's head".