French Colonial Decoration, Saharan Service, 1950–1965
• Country: France
• Decoration: Order of Saharan Merit (Ordre du Mérite Saharien)
• Class: Knight’s Cross
• Period: Post-World War II
• Context: French colonial service and Saharan campaigns
• Ribbon: Original ribbon
• Dimensions approx.: 62.98 × 50.70 mm
Medal Design:
The medal is a distinctive four-pointed cross with pointed terminals, suspended from a circular ring. The obverse features a plain central field, while the reverse bears the inscription “MERITE SAHARIEN”. The suspension ring is inscribed “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”.
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Condition:
Good original condition. The medal shows honest age-related wear consistent with service use. The ribbon is original, with visible wear and toning typical for period awards. No modern replacements observed.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Order of Saharan Merit was instituted to recognize civil and military service in the Saharan territories under French administration. It is closely associated with French colonial operations and administration in North and West Africa, particularly during the period of decolonization between 1950 and 1965. Original examples are increasingly sought after by collectors of French colonial and post-WWII orders.
Summary:
Original French Order of Saharan Merit, Knight’s Cross, awarded for service in Saharan territories during the post-WWII colonial period. A genuine and increasingly scarce decoration, suitable for advanced collectors of French orders and colonial history.
Please refer to the pictures.