Chile, Republic. An Order of Naval Merit, I Class Commander, c.2000

(Orden del Mérito Naval). Instituted in 2000. Three-piece construction, insignia bearing the Chile coat-of-arms in bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, mounted to a bronze gilt base illustrating a four-pointed nautical compass sign backed by an open-ended wreath of laurel leaves and multiple emanating rays, maker marked "LEIVA" on the reverse, measuring 49 mm (w) x 72.5 mm (h) inclusive of its Andean condor suspension, on a full-length neck ribbon that is colour correct but incorrect in the piping, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Naval Merit was instituted in 2000, to reward both Chilean Navy personnel and civilians, either foreigners or nationals, in recognition of outstanding services to the Navy displaying self-denial, spirit of cooperation and commitment to foster interests that identify the Chilean Navy, as well as to those the individuals that have supported and participated in the development of activities that have contributed to the fulfillment of the mission of the Institution. It has three grades that denote the rank of the recipient: Commander, Officer and Knight. The Commander is awarded to the highest ranks, such as Chiefs or Generals; the Officer is awarded to Officers, and Knight is awarded to enlisted men, institutions, and foreigner Chiefs.