Chile, Republic. An Order Of Merit, Ii Class Knight C.1910

(Orden al Mérito). Instituted 1906. Type I. 1906-1911 issue. An early example consisting of a ball-tipped five pointed star in silvered bronze, featuring solid laurel wreath in each quadrant also in silvered bronze, the obverse centre in silver exhibiting a female head denoting the republic government, surrounded by the inscription REPUBLICA DE CHILE (Republic of Chile), the reverse centre also in silver depicting a laurel branch with the inscription AL MERITO (To Merit), suspended by a detailed silver Andean Condor, one of the two Chilean national animals, measuring 42.10 mm (w) x 55.30 mm (h - inclusive of Condor), presenting tone in silver and bronze, suspended by original of time period breast ribbon, very good.

Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted in 1906 as the Medal of Merit, which was promoted to an order in 1929. It was awarded to recognize foreign military personnel and nationals who rendered outstanding services to the Republic of Chile.