Colombia, Republic. Two Order Cases

Includes:

1. Military Order of the Cross of St Matthew, III Class Knight Case (Orden Militar de San Mateo). Instituted in 1914. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, maroon dimpled cloth-like covering on five sides on the exterior, the bottom with a grayish-purple cloth covering with a large "X" in red marker, the lid bearing the Colombian coat-of-arms in silver-coloured ink, inside lid lined in white cotton, padded and maker marked "J.H. WERNER HOFJUWELIER BERLIN W. 113 FRIEDRICHSTR. 173", a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a maroon felt recessed medal bed, push release closure, elongated hinge, measuring 78 mm in width x 117 mm in height x 20.5 mm in depth, soiling and scuffing evident on the exterior, the interior clean and without interruptions in the fabrics.

2. Military Order 13th of June, IV Class Officer (Official) Case (Orden Militar 13 de Juno). Instituted in 1954; Discontinued in 1959. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, maroon smooth leather-look covering on all six sides on the exterior, the lid inscribed "REPUBLICA DE COLOMBIA / ORDEN MILITAR / 13 DE JUNIO / OFICIAL" in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "FIBO LTDA. BOGOTA / FABRICADO EN COLOMBIA", a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a maroon felt recessed medal bed, latch closure, dual-hinged, measuring 99 mm in width x 156 mm in height x 33.5 mm in depth, light contact on the exterior, the interior clean and without interruptions in the fabrics.

Very fine and near extremely fine, respectively.

Footnote: 1. The Military Order of the Cross of St Matthew was created by Public Law number 40 of 1913 and modified by Decree number 349, instituted on March 25, 1914. It is Colombia's highest award, named for the Battle of San Mateo estate during the South American wars of independence, and particularly honouring the sacrifice of Captain Antonio Ricaurte, who sacrificed himself during the battle. The order recognizes military personnel for acts of exceptional valour in time of war (specifically a war to defend Colombia). It is not authorized for civil war, internal disturbance, or international conflict. It is awarded in three classes. 2. The Military Order 13th of June was instituted on May 19, 1954 and discontinued on October 1, 1959. It was awarded to both military personnel and civilians for outstanding achievement or patriotism, in six grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight, and Member.