Peru, Republic. An Order Of The Sun Of Peru, Grand Cross, By Casa Nacional De Moneda, C.1960

(Orden del Sol del Perú). Instituted in 1821 by General San Martin. Type II (1921 -). A Grand Cross in silver gilt, presenting multiple clusters of five rays, the central medallion features the Peruvian coat of arms surrounded by a red and white enamelled ring inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, with an encircling green enamelled wreath with six o’clock bow, the reverse is plain, with mark CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA LIMA-PERU, the badge is surmounted by a green enamelled oak and laurel leave wreath, measures 58.5mm (w) x 89.4mm (h – inclusive of suspension wreath and integral ring), 38.1grams, worn on an original purple sash, enamels intact, lovely patina, in extremely fine condition. The Star of the Order, an eighteen point silver star with clusters of five rays, the obverse presenting the Peruvian coat of arms surrounded by a pebbled ring and then a red and white enamelled ring inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, with an encircling pebbled ring, followed by a green enamelled wreath with six o’clock bow, the reverse presents a single pin with later addition dual stays, the central medallion marked CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA LIMA-PERU, measures 78.9mm (w) x 78.0mm (h), weighs 81.0 grams, extremely fine condition. Accompanied by a small boutonniere featuring a purple rosette on a gilt coloured swatch.

Contained in its original case of issue in dark purple with Peruvian coat of arms impressed on the exterior lid, the interior features a white silk lid, with black velvet removable medalbed and storage compartment for ribbon, measures 140mm (w) x 300mm (h) x 55mm (d), hinge functional (case not made with catch), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Created just after the end of the War of Independence of Peru, the Order of the Sun (Orden del Sol) was founded by the revolutionary hero General San Martin in 1821 to reward the Peruvian, Argentinian, and Chilean Officers who had distinguished themselves in the Peruvian War of Independence.