Egypt, Arab Republic. An Order of Merit, II Class, Grand Officer Badge, to Soviet Official Leonid Peshekhonov, c. 1959

(Nishan al-Ishtiqaq). Instituted in 1953. Type II (1958-1972), c. 1959 issue. Of multi-piece construction, consisting of a five-pointed gilded silver star with multiple rays emanating from the center between the arms of the star, the obverse with another five-pointed star constructed of royal blue and white enamels, the obverse with a central raised half-globe inscribed “Merit” in arabic lettering in gilt within blue enamels, suspended from a swivel Egyptian Coat of Arms in silver gilt from a shortened period-original neck ribbon, the reverse plain, marked with the Cairo Assay Office mark and an unknown maker mark in Arabic lettering, measuring 55.8 mm (w) x 60.5 mm (l), weighing 53.00 grams, the medallion on the reverse of the award has been glued into place to restrict movement, in overall near very fine condition.

Accompanied by a presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a burgundy faux leather exterior, the exterior of the lid embossed with the Coat of Arms of Egypt and bearing a sticker inscribed with “Mr. Leonid S. Peshekhonov”, the interior of the lid lined with off-white coloured padded silk, with a functional exterior metal hinge, intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional exterior metal clasp closure, and recessed medal bed for secure seating of the award, measuring 100 mm (w) x 141 mm (l), the case slightly warped, in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: Leonid Semenovich Peshekhonov was a high-ranking Soviet official who was awarded the Egyptian Order of Merit in 1959 for his participation at the Aswan Dam in Egypt as head of the dam’s construction vehicle movement network. He subsequently worked on the Tripoli Dam in Libya. He was also the recipient of the Order of the Patriotic War and the Victory over Germany Medal.