Venezuela, Republic. An Order Of The Liberator, Commander’s Star C.1900

(Orden del Libertador). Promoted to Order by President Antonio Guzmán Blanco in 1881. Type II. In silvered bronze, a multiple-rayed eight-pointed star with typical wavy rays, the obverse presenting engraved period Venezuelan coat of arms, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed SIMON BOLIVAR, as well as by a ring of silvered bronze beads, the reverse with unusual central screw, measuring 70.62 mm (w) x 80.82 mm (h), presenting strong loss of silver, with general oxidation along the star, fair.

Footnote: The Order of the Liberator has a long and convoluted history that began with the creation of the Order of the Liberators of Venezuela by Simon Bolivar on October 22, 1813. This Order was created to reward the military personnel from Gran Colombia and Venezuela who distinguished themselves fighting for the cause of independence. No examples of this Order have survived, and the official documentation is vague regarding the Order's statutes and bestowal conditions. The Distinguished Medal with the Bust of Bolivar (Medalla de Distinción con el Busto del Libertador) was created in 1854 to reward Chiefs, Generals, and Officers, in recognition of loyalty to the national cause, as well as civilians who have served notably to the nation.