Venezuela, Republic. An Order Of The Liberator, Grand Officer's Star, By Gathmann Hermanos, c.1920

(Orden del Libertador). Instituted 1880 by president Antonio Guzmán Blanco. 1880-1920 Issue. Of quality local manufacture, consisting of a finely faceted eight-pointed multiple ray star in silver, obverse centre featuring a superposed bust of Simon Bolivar in silver gilt, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed by his name, reverse with pin assembly and dual retaining pins, central cartouche denoting manufacture by Gathmann Hnos, Caracas, measuring 73.1 mm (w) x 80 mm (h), weighs 49.81 grams, with minor toned silver, enamels intact, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Liberator was founded by Antonio Guzmán Blanco on September 14, 1880, and reformed in 1922 under the presidential term of Juan Vicente Gómez. The Order has as precedent the Medal of Distinction with the bust of the Liberator created on March 11, 1854 under the presidency of José Gregorio Monagas and before that, the Order of the Liberators created by Simón Bolívar in 1813. It was the highest distinction of Venezuela and was appointed for services to the country, outstanding merit and benefits made to the community. It was discontinued in 2010.