Egypt, Arab Republic. An Order of Merit, II Class Set with Case

 (Nishan al-Istaqaq / نیشان الإستقق). Instituted in 1953. Type I (1953-1972). Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with royal blue, white and red enamels, an eight point star with alternating smooth silver gilt and silver faceted rays, obverse medallion in Arabic,reverse marked with Cairo town mark, measuring 59 mm (w) x 81.8 mm (h inclusive of its eagle coat-of-arms suspension), worn on full length neck ribbon, intact enamels, very light contact, extremely fine.

The Star of the order, multi-piece construction, in silver gilt and enamels, an eight point star with alternating smooth silver gilt and silver faceted rays, obverse medallion in Arabic, reverse bearing a vertical pin assembly, marked with Cairo town mark, measures 75 mm (w) x 81.6 mm (h - inclusive of eagle suspension), enamels intact, extremely fine. 

Contained in case of issue, a burgundy leatherette case with insignia on the lid, silk and velvet interior, measures 130 mm (w) x 245 mm (l) x 60 mm (d), wear and scuffing on the exterior, hinge and clasp functional, very fine.