Chile, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Set, I Class, c.1950

(Orden del Mérito). Instituted September 4th, 1906. Type V. (C. 1950 issue). A cased Order of Merit Grand Cross set, consisting of: 

1. A Grand Cross Breast Star (Type V), Constructed of silver gilt, consisting of a white enameled 5-pointed star with ball finals, with eight sun-rays emanating from the center, and with a laurel wreath in the quadrants in between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central medallion with the Chilean coat of arms, surrounded by a blue enameled ring inscribed “Orden del Merito” (Order of Merit) in gilded capital letters, the reverse is plain, with a tall barrel hinge, broad vertical pinback, and broad wire catch, along with two downward sloping clips for secure attachment to a uniform, an unmarked example, measuring 79.8 mm (w) x 78.2 mm (l), weighing 98.03 grams., with the white enamels on the 9 o’clock arm slightly chipped at the tip, in otherwise near extremely fine condition.

2. A Grand Cross Sash Badge (Type IV), Constructed of silver gilt, consisting of a white enameled 5-pointed star with ball finals and with a laurel wreath in the rightward facing bust by the representation of the national personification of Chile, surrounded by the inscription “Republica de Chile” (Republic of Chile) in capital lettering, the reverse features a similar gilt medallion with a depiction of a laurel branch circumscribed by “Al Merito” (For Merit) in capital lettering, suspended from a swiveling Andrean Condor perched atop a rounded bar, with its period original sash ribbon, unmarked, measuring 61.5 mm (w) x 67.5 mm (l), weighing 32.23 grams, a well-preserved example with pleasant patina and only slight verdigris, in near extremely fine condition. 

This Grand Cross set is accompanied by a presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden frame with dark burgundy textured faux leather liner, the exterior of the lid is decorated with the coat of arms of Chile, and the interior is lined with an off-white silk liner, marked “Hours, Santiago”, the fabric hinge cover fully intact, with a stud-and-clasp closure assembly towards the front, the blue velvet medal bed has become dislodged through age and wear, in overall near extremely fine condition.