Central African Republic, Republic. An Order Of Merit, Knight, By Arthus Bertrand & Co., C.1970

(Ordre du Mérite Centrafricain). Instituted on June 20, 1959. Of French manufacture in bronze gilt, a high scarce ball-tipped enameled white balck-bordered Maltese Cross, featuring delicate enameled laurel wreath in each quadrant, surmounted by delicate enamel green laurel wreath, the obverse centre featuring a superposed gilt five-pointed star on a black and blue enameled background, the reverse with enameled medallion inscribed MERITE CENTRAFRICAIN 1959, the institution date, measuring 39.09 mm (w) x 60.32 mm (h- inclusive of wreath suspension and integral ball), maker’s mark of Arthus Bertrand & Co. on the ring, light contact, suspended on original Knight ribbon, extremely good condition.

Footnote: Instituted on 20 June 1959 with five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight, The Order of Merit is awarded for special merit in the humanitarian, economic and social spheres.