Cuba, Republic. A Trio of Orders of Military and Naval Merit, Fourth Class

1. (Orden del Mérito Naval Cuarta Clase) Order of Naval Merit IV Class, gilt bronze and blue enamels, multi-piece construction, the obverse with an intertwined “MM” monogram within the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR”, imposed on an anchor and blue enamelled Maltese cross within a laurel wreath, the reverse plain with maker’s mark “PASTOR PLUS ULTRA” surrounding an anchor motif, measuring 38.2 mm x 45.3 mm inclusive of suspension ring, without ribbon, light enamel wear and scattered contact marks, very fine condition.

2. (Orden del Mérito Militar y Naval Cuarta Clase) Order of Military and Naval Merit IV Class, gilt bronze and blue enamels, multi-piece construction, the obverse with an intertwined “MM” monogram within the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR”, on a gilt Maltese cross with laurel wreath between the arms, the reverse with the Cuban national arms to the centre, measuring 45 mm x 71.4 mm inclusive of suspension ring, without ribbon, light wear overall, very fine condition.

3. (Orden del Mérito Militar y Naval Cuarta Clase) Order of Military and Naval Merit IV Class, gilt bronze and blue enamels, multi-piece construction, the obverse with blue enamelled central medallion bearing the intertwined “MM” monogram surrounded by the motto “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR”, on a gilt Maltese cross with laurel wreath between the arms, the reverse with the Cuban national arms, measuring 51.3 mm x 81.1 mm inclusive of suspension ring, without ribbon, light enamel wear and age toning, fine condition.

Footnote: The Cuban Orders of Military and Naval Merit were awarded in several classes and ribbon distinctions for service, conduct, and merit within the Cuban armed forces. Examples are encountered in a wide variety of sizes and manufacturing styles, particularly among privately produced pre-revolutionary pieces from Havana makers.