Order of Andres Bello

A “Collar” Class of the Order in gilt Silver: 8 oval, openwork medallions bearing blue and red enameled “Ar” monograms; 7 highly oplished open books bearing the embossed inscription “EDUCATION CIENCIAS LETRAS ARTES” and the forward piece as an oval medallion with embossed portrait within blue enameled border bearing the inscription “ANDRES BELLO” and stylized laurel wreath, the whole sided by green enameled laurel wreath with red berries, tied by golden riband acting as loop to append the badge as a seven-pointed, white enameled gilt Silver Star, flanked by polished, golden beams, the obverse centre medallion in gilt silver with embossed bust within blue enameled outer circlet bearing the inscription “ANDRES BELLO” in golden lettering and stylized laurel wreath; the reverse, similar to the obverse, but the star being not enameled; centre medallion with embossed open book bearing the embossed inscription “EDUCATION CIENCIAS LETRAS ARTES” on polished ground and a laurel wreath below, blue enameled outer circlet with the inscription “REPUBLICA DE VENEZUELA” in golden lettering; upper loop and round suspension ring.A very rare insignia of Venezuela’s highest order for cultural merits instituted in 1965, in this class, awarded to heads of state or prime Ministers for the strenghtening of cultural relationships with Venezuela; excellent condition and early manufacture. Dim.: the Collar, l. 84,0 cm.; the badge, 45,0 x 42,0 mm. I RR!