Paraguay. A National Order Of Merit, Grand Cross, Type Iii, C.1960

1956 + Issue. Badge: In bronze gilt with blue, white and green enamels, unmarked, measuring 60.5 mm (w) x 96.7 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and ball suspension, on its original full-length sash, intact enamels; and Breast Star: in silver, marked "A31" and marked "900" (silver) within a diamond-shaped frame on the reverse, measuring 79.3 mm (w) x 74.5 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual prongs. Extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, marked with the Paraguayan coat-of-arms on the lid, raised platform with recessed medal beds for the badge and breast star, exterior exhibiting wear in the fabric on the corners, along with light soiling, case very fine.

Footnote: The National Order of Merit was established on April 8, 1865 by Marshal Francisco Solano López (July 24, 1827 - March 1, 1870) who succeeded his father as president of Paraguay in 1862 and held the office until his death in combat in 1870. He is remembered above all for bringing upon Paraguay the catastrophic war against the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay but his reputation has recovered in recent years, driven by nationalist sentiment. Originally the Order was for military only but it was revised in 1939 and is now Paraguay’s highest order for military and civil merit. Type III version of the order was established on September 7, 1956.