Cuba, Republic. A Group of Four Military Ribbon Bars

1. Order of Naval Merit or Military Merit, Long Service Medal Officer with four stars, Cuban First World War Victory Medal, Armed Forces Merit Medal,  constructed of stainless steel  with multi-coloured enamel, mounted as a horizontal wear ribbon bar with dual reverse attachment hooks and horizontal pinback, marked “Vilardebo Riera” on the reverse, measuring 102.9 mm x 24.7 mm.

2. Long Service Medal for Troops with three bronze chevrons, Armed Forces Merit Medal, National Reconciliation Medal with service star, Distinguished Service Medal ribbon, constructed of gilt brass and enamels, with horizontal pinback, measuring 108.2 mm x 24.9 mm.

3. Order of Naval Merit or Military Merit, Order of Carlos J. Finlay, Long Service Medal with seven chevrons with two of the chevrons missing, Armed Forces Merit Medal, National Reconciliation Medal ribbon with gilt service star, Armed Forces Long Service Medal with shield device, unidentified service ribbon, constructed of gilt brass and enamels with horizontal pinback, measuring 108.6 mm x 37 mm.

4. Order of Naval Merit or Military Merit, Order of Carlos J. Finlay, Long Service Medal with six gilt stars, Armed Forces Merit Medal, National Reconciliation Medal with gilt service star, constructed of gilt brass  and enamels with horizontal pinback, measuring 108.6 mm in width.

All bars  are in good to fair condition and  exhibit age wear and scattered corrosion on the reverse. 

Footnote: Cuban military ribbon bars of the Republican period prior to the 1959 Revolution were worn by officers and enlisted personnel to denote awards, long service distinctions, campaign participation, and merit decorations earned throughout military and governmental careers. Many such ribbon bars were privately manufactured by Havana firms such as Vilardebo & Riera, one of the better-known Cuban medal and insignia makers active during the Republican era. The inclusion of the Cuban First World War Victory Medal ribbon is notable, as Cuba formally declared war on the Central Powers in 1917 and later authorized a national Victory Medal following the Allied pattern adopted by numerous participating nations.