Cuba, Republic. An Order of Carlos Manuel De Cespedes, Grand Cross Set

Instituted 1926. A lovely Cuban manufactured Grand Cross Set, consisting of a sash badge, in silver gilt, a coloured enamel decoration, the central medallion consisting of a front facing bust of Carlos Manuel De Cespedes, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed CARLOS MANUEL DE CESPEDES 1868 (Year of Cuban Independence), surrounded by a silver gilded wreath, with ten silver ornately decorated bursts stemming from the wreath, evenly spaced on a blue enamel ring, the badge totally surrounded by a green laurel wreath with red berries, the reverse medallion presents the Cuban coat of arms on a white enamelled field, measures 49.7 mm (w) x 62.5 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball suspension), small enamel chips at 6 o’clock on obverse and reverse, remains in near extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by the Breast Star in silver gilt, featuring ten distinct arms, each composed of clusters of individual rays, arms alternating between smooth and faceted finishes, obverse center presenting a gilt portrait of Carlos Manuel Cespedes with a blue enamel border which states CARLOS MANUEL DE CESPEDES 1868 (Year of Cuban Independence), outer gilt wreath with thin red enamel ties as well as ten silver rays represented by crashing waves, reverse with a single pin suspension, central cartouche marked ANTIGUA VILARDEBO Y RIERA HABANA denoting the manufacturer, measures 81.1 mm (w) x 84.7 mm (h), weighs 101.9 grams, enamels intact, gilt wear on rays, remains in very fine condition.