Peru, Republic. An Order Of The Peruvian Sun, Commander, C.1960

(Orden del Sol del Perú). Instituted in 1821 by General San Martin (liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru). In silver gilt, a radiating sun consisting of eighteen arms, each composed of a cluster of five individual rays, with obverse centre exhibiting an engraved Peruvian coat of arms, encircled by an enameled red and white border with the inscription EL SOL DEL PERÚ 1821 (The Sun of Peru 1821), displaying a surrounded tied laurel wreath, the plain reverse, suspending of an enameled green tied wreath, measuring 58.18 mm (w) x 87.40 mm (h - inclusive of suspension and integral ring), accompanied by original neck ribbon, presenting minor wear edges, with slightly detached centrepiece, otherwise extremely fine.

Footnote: General San Martín authorized the Order of the Sun, first Peruvian order of merit, after he was proclaimed Protector of Peru. His intention was replacing the Spanish Order of Isabella the Catholic, regarding officers who had distinguished themselves during the Peru’s War of Independence. He awarded the Order to Peruvian, Argentine, Bolivian, and Chilean officers. The Order was reestablished almost a century later, and is still granted.