Nicaragua, Republic. An Order of Cultural Independence “Rubén Darío”, Grand Cross Set I Class, c. 1960

(Orden de la Independencia Cultural Rubén Darío). Instituted February 16th, 1951. (c. 1960 issue). A cased example with a breast star and sash badge to the Grand Cross, consisting of:

1. A breast star, constructed of gilded silver, consisting of a four-pointed star with nine rays per arm, along with three rays in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a blue enameled cross, both horizontal arms with white enameled swans, the bottom arm with a white enameled harp and laurels, the top arm with a fine hand-painted depiction of five mountains standing strong under a shining sun, with a circular central blue enameled medallion bearing the profile of Rubén Darío, surrounded by a broad white-enameled ring inscribed with “Orden de Ruben Dario” in capitalized lettering, the reverse is plain, with a raised barrel hinge, vertical round wire pinback, and rightward-facing round wire catch, with two downward-pointing stabilizing hooks for secure attachment to an uniform, unmarked, measuring 77.2 mm (w) x 77.4 mm (l), weighing 75.00 grams, with the enamels extremely well preserved, free of chips or flakes, in near extremely fine condition.

2. A sash badge, constructed of gilded silver, consisting of a blue enameled cross with rays emanating outward from the center of the award, both horizontal arms with white enameled swans, both vertical arms with a white enameled harp and laurels, with a central blue enameled medallion bearing an applied depiction of Rubén Darío within a laurel wreath, the reverse is plain, suspended from an enameled applique inscribed “Republica de Nicaragua America Central” with a fine enameled depiction of five mountains standing strong under a shining sun, with its period-original full-size sash ribbon, measuring 43.4 mm (w) x 50.0 mm (l), in better than very fine condition.

3. A presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core, with a lightly textured blue faux leather exterior, the exterior of the lid with an applique in gilt, the interior of the lid lined with a cotton-silk blended fabric, embossed with “Conde Coranciones Joyería, Cejalvo, Cruz, 5, Madrid” in gilt, with dual exterior metal hinges, intact interior fabric hinge cover, and functional clasp for secure closing of the case, with a recessed felt medal bed for secure seating of both awards, measuring 262 mm (w) x 125 mm (l) x 60 mm (l), in very fine condition.