Order of Merit

Grand Officer’s Set, instituted in 1861, Neck Badge, 55 mm, GOLD, 19 g., white enamelled cross with ball finials, with finely enamelled laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting the coat of arms of Venezuela, encircled by an enamelled blue border inscribed “REPUBLICA DE VENEZUELA” (Republic of Venezuela), reverse depicting engraved inscription “29 AGOSTO 1861” (29 August, 1861) surrounded by the inscription “HONOR AL MERITO” (Honor in Merit) on a blue enamelled border, original suspension ring, loop and large ribbon. Breast Star, 78 mm., GOLD and Silver, white enamelled cross with ball finials, with finely enamelled laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting the coat of arms of Venezuela, encircled by an enamelled blue border inscribed “HONOR AL MERITO”, the reverse with broad thin pin and two hooks. A superb and very rare old set of the second half of 19th century, in extremely fine condition. I RR!