Ethiopia, Kingdom. An Order of Emperor Menelik II, III Class Commander consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac on a red wool backer

on a red wool backer

maker marked "FIRMA J

surrounded by a blue enameled ring inscribed “Fideliter & Constanter” (Latin - Loyal and Resistant) in gilt lettering

He signed his Attestation Paper as a Lieutenant with the 3rd Infantry Battalion

According to documents revealed in 2019

Ethiopia, Kingdom. An Order of Emperor Menelik II, III Class Commander consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac on a red wool backer(yedagimaw ts minliki tiizazi ). Instituted in 1924. Four piece construction, in bronze gilt with red and green enamels, unmarked, measuring 49. 7 mm (w) x 76. 5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, original neck ribbon, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Emperor Menelik II was instituted in 1924 by Ras Tafari Makonnen and was awarded to senior military and court officials, in five grades: Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander,