Nicaragua, Republic. An Order of Cultural Independence, Grand Cross Set, c.1960

(Orden de la Independencia Cultural Rubén Darío). Instituted February 16th, 1951. (c. 1960 issue). A beautiful Grand Cross Set consisting of Sash Badge, constructed of silver gilt, blue enamelled cross with rays emanating outward from the center of the award, both horizontal arms with white enamelled swans, both vertical arms with a white enamelled harp and laurels, with a central blue enamelled medallion bearing an applied depiction of Rubén Darío within a laurel wreath, the reverse is plain, suspended from an enamelled applique inscribed REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA AMERICA CENTRAL, with a fine enamelled depiction of five mountains standing strong under a shining sun, with its period-original full-size sash ribbon of white and blue silk, measuring 43.2 mm (w) x 73.5 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), weighs 102.7 grams (including sash), enamels intact, light gilt wear, specifically on the suspension, areas of light damage/discolouration to the sash, remains in extremely fine condition. 

The Star of the Order, constructed of silver gilt, 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 enamelled cross, both horizontal arms with white enamelled swans, the bottom arm with a white enamelled harp and laurels, the top arm with a fine hand-painted depiction of five mountains standing strong under a shining sun, segments of silver wreath between each arm, with a circular central blue enamelled medallion bearing the profile of Rubén Darío, surrounded by a broad white-enamelled 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 stays for secure attachment to an uniform, unmarked, measuring 77.6 mm (w) x 77.4 mm (l), weighing 71.17 grams, with the enamels extremely well preserved, free of chips or flakes, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.