National Order of Merit

A Gran Cordon (Collar) set of the Order: composed of 7 silver Gilt and enameled badges and 5 Silver stars of the Order, linked by thin chains of oval rings; to which the badge is appended as a large, gilt-silver white enameld 5-pointed star with ball finials, flanked by straight bundles of rays and surrounded by a green enameled palm and laurel wreath; golden centre medallion bearing the embossed head of a roaring lion, within blue enameled outer circlet enriched by the Order’s motto “HONOR ET GLORIA” in golden lettering; golden reverse centre medallion with the year “1939” in raised characters on finely pebbled ground, within blue enameled outer circlet, bearing the inscription “PRAEMIVM MERITI”; elaborate suspension as two scrolling ribands joining to the top, where is hinged a horizontal, green enameled laurel wreath with sphaerical upper loop with link rings to append the badge to the collar.A highly rare Grand Cordon class of this attractive order, as awarded to heads of state only, excellent condition. Dim.: the collar, l. 92,0 cm. width 50,0mm.; the badge, 104,0 x 65,0 mm. I R!