Cuba, Republic. An Order of Naval Merit III Class Officer for Good Conduct

(Orden del Mérito Naval por Buena Conducta Tercera Clase Oficial) Order of Naval Merit III Class Officer for Good Conduct, multi-piece gilt and enamel badge featuring a blue enamel Maltese cross charged with a red enamel anchor and central medallion bearing intertwined initials within a circular band inscribed “HONOR · VIRTUD · VALOR”, surrounded by a green enamel laurel wreath, suspended from a brown and white ribbon with gilt suspension clasp, the reverse with maker’s mark depicting an anchor and the inscription “DATOR  PLUS ULTRA”, measuring 48.7 mm x 51.3 mm inclusive of suspension device.

The badge exhibits light enamel wear, age-related patina, and surface wear throughout, mounted on a humanitarian acts ribbon rather than the correct ribbon for the award; overall, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Naval Merit for Good Conduct formed part of the Republican Cuban honours system and was awarded for distinguished conduct and service within the Cuban naval establishment. Officer grade examples were produced in finely enamelled multi-piece construction, often by prominent Havana makers, and display strong stylistic influence from late Spanish colonial and early Republican Cuban decoration design traditions.