Venezuela, Republic. An Order of Francisco de Miranda, II Class Set in Case, c.1970

(Orden Francisco de Miranda). Instituted August 28th, 1939. (Type II: 1943 to present). 

A neck badge, constructed of silver gilt, featuring a four point star surrounding an oval shaped badge with smaller rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting a left facing bust of Francisco de Miranda with a red enamel surround inscribed “FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA” in capitalized lettering, the reverse presents the Venezuelan coat of arms, measures 39.5 mm (w) x 59 mm (h), worn on original thin yellow neck ribbon, extremely fine. 

The Star of the Order, constructed of gilded silver, consisting of an eight-pointed star consisting of rays of varying lengths, the obverse with a central finely enamelled red medallion circumscribed “FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA” in capitalized lettering within a silvered laurel wreath, the reverse plain, with a functional vertical pinback assembly, the reverse marked 925 denoting silver fineness, measuring 80 mm (w) x 79 mm (l), weighing 71.3 grams, the central obverse medallion has been affixed and is slightly twisted, otherwise remains in near extremely fine condition. 

Accompanied by a miniature in silver gilt and enamels, measures 12 mm (w) x 17.5 mm (h), worn on original ribbon with rosette denoting II Class, extremely fine. 

Contained in the original case of issue, a blue leatherette case, the exterior lid marked ORDEN FRANCISCO DE MIRANDA with the coat of arms above, the interior is marked DISTINTIVOS VENIZOLANOS FABRICANTES, with a red velvet board base, measures 125 mm (w) x 245 mm (l) x 40 mm (d), taped note to lid, fraying around hinge, functional catch, near very fine.