Belgium – Congo Service Star (Étoile de Service / Ster van Dienst)
Dimensions: 44.98 x 42.46 mm
Condition: Enamel damage (please refer to pictures)
Unnamed as issued
Design Features
Obverse:
Five-pointed star in white enamel with silver ball finials at the tips.
Central medallion in red enamel featuring a gold star.
Reverse:
Identical to the obverse, except the central medallion bears the inscription:
"TRAVAIL ET PROGRÈS" (Work and Progress), the official motto of the Belgian Congo.
Historical Context & Award Criteria
Establishment & Purpose
Created by Leopold II, King Sovereign of the Congo, on January 16, 1889.
Awarded to Belgian citizens and European personnel for completing service tours in the Belgian Congo between 1889 and 1960.
Permanently discontinued following the independence of the Congo on June 30, 1960.
Awarding Criteria & Versions
1889-1910 Version:
Only a Silver Star was awarded for a 3-year service tour.
Reverse inscription: "TRAVAIL ET PROGRÈS" (Labour and Progress).
1910-1956 Version:
Introduction of a Gold Star for 10 years of service.
Silver Star still awarded for 3-year service.
Bar clasps introduced for each additional 3-year tour.
1956-1960 Version (Final Issue):
Gold Star awarded for 15 years of service.
Silver Star awarded for 6 years of service.
Reverse inscription updated to include both French and Dutch.
This Congo Service Star is a rare and historically valuable decoration, representing the legacy of Belgium’s colonial administration and the service of European personnel in the Congo Free State and later the Belgian Congo.
For authentication and valuation, please refer to provided pictures to assess enamel condition and overall preservation.