France, Republic. An Order of Civil Merit

(Ordre du Mérite Civil), a gilt and enamel decoration constructed in the form of an eight-pointed star with tipped rays between the arms, measuring 38.6 mm in width and 48.2 mm in height exclusive of suspension device, the obverse centre bearing a circular gilt medallion with the profile bust of the French Republic surrounded by blue enamel star arms, the reverse centre medallion inscribed “ORDRE DU MERITE CIVIL DU MINISTERE DE L'INTERIEUR,” the decoration suspended from its original blue ribbon with central black stripe and fitted with a matching ribbon rosette device, the ribbon now faded from age with visible colour loss, the star displaying a noticeable impact and enamel damage to the arm at the nine o’clock position, the ribbon bar has been mounted to the ribbon, the surfaces otherwise showing light wear consistent with handling, fair condition. 

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit (Ordre du Mérite Civil) was established in France in 1957 to recognize distinguished civil service and contributions to public administration. It was part of the French system of specialized merit orders that existed prior to the creation of the Ordre National du Mérite in 1963, which later consolidated many earlier decorations into a single national order.