Haiti, Republic. A National Order Of Honour And Merit, First Class Grand Cross Set

 (Ordre National d'Honneur et de Mérite). Instituted in 1926. Type II (Post 1932). Grand Cross Badge in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, unmarked, measuring 65.2 mm (w) x 70.7 mm (h - inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension), intact enamels, on original sash, extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, in silver featuring four hand etched arms, obverse centre featuring a silver coat-of-arms, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 80.2 mm (w) x 81.4 mm (h), extremely fine.

The National Order of Honour and Merit was instituted on May 28, 1926. It is the highest honour of merit awarded by the President of the Republic of Haiti, awarded to acknowledge distinction in not only the realms of diplomacy and politics but also the arts, charitable works and other fields of benefit or interest to Haiti, to both Haitians and foreign nationals, in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.