Paraguay, Republic. A National Order of Merit, Grand Cross Set, c.1970

(Orden Nacional del Mérito). Instituted April 8, 1865. Reinstituted June 23, 1939 and amended September 7 1956. Type III (1956-). In silver gilt, a white enamelled five point star with large ball finials, three rays emulating between each quadrant, a half laurel and half oak leaf green enamel wreath connecting the tips of the arms, the obverse medallion features a lion head surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed HONOR ET GLORIA, the reverse medallion features the year 1865 surrounded by a blue enamel surround inscribed PRAEMIVM MERITI, the badge is surmounted by a large green enamel wreath, measures 63mm (w) x 123.5mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension and suspension loop), weighs 97.1 grams, marked MILLE, enamels intact, minor gilt wear, in extremely fine condition. The Breast Star, entirely in silver, features a five point star with large ball finials and a faceted border around the outside, five smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a lion head with the inscription HONOR ET GLORIA PRAEMIVM MERITI in a surrounding ring, the reverse offers a single vertical pin flanked by dual stays, measures 87.9mm (w) x 86.6mm (h), weighs 97.6 grams, marked 1000 on reverse near 6 o’clock, light wear and oxidation, tip of the 12 o’clock arm bent, one stay has been reinforced, in near extremely fine condition.