Argentina, Republic. An Order of May, Grand Cross Set, c.1960

(Orden de Mayo). Instituted in 1957. A Grand Cross Badge consisting of a silver gilt base, superimposed on a thirteen-point star in white enamel, the obverse centerpiece in red enamel, the reverse in blue, red, and white enamel, 82.7 mm (h) x 76.6 mm (w), worn on a red sash, enamels intact, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, constructed of a silver gilt star, superimposed on a thirteen-point star in white enamel, the obverse centerpiece in red enamel, reverse pin, measures 77 mm, enamels intact, gilt wear on obverse and reverse, very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of May was created as an Order of Merit by Decree No. 8506/46 of 1946. In 1957, the rules of the order were modified and the Order of Merit was re-named the Order of May by Decree No. 16,629. The order was further divided into the categories Merit, Military Merit, Naval Merit and Aeronautical Merit. In 1958, the regulation was further amended and the Necklace of Merit grade class was abolished. It currently comes in six grades: Collar (Collar); Grand Cross (Gran Cruz); Grand Officer (Gran Oficial); Commander (Comendador); Officer (Oficial); and Knight (Caballero).