Paraguay, Republic. A National Order Of Merit, Grand Cross With Case, By Rejala, C.1970

(Orden Nacional al Mérito). Instituted 1865, ReInstituted 1936 and 1957. Of Argentinean manufacturing, an outstanding and very rare Grand Cross complete set consisting of a ball-tipped enameled white five-pointed star in bronze gilt, circumscribed on an enameled green wreath of laurel and oak branches, featuring cluster of three gilded rays between the angles of the arms also in bronze gilt, the obverse centre is embellished by an engraved facing-front Paraguayan lion, encircled by a blue enameled border with gilded Latin inscription HONOR ET GLORIA (Honor and Glory), the reverse centre dated 1865 within a blue enameled edge inscribed PRAEMIUM MERITI (Award of Merit), suspended by a stripped ribbon beneath of an enameled green laurel wreath, measuring 60.60 mm (w) x 96.69 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), thestaris suspended on original full-length sash ribbon with bow,presenting minor oxidation across the cross, the obverse medallion is slightly bent, otherwise very fine condition. Accompanied by the breast star in silver of 925 content, consisting of a ball-tipped five-pointed star with beaded frame, featuring cluster of five rounded rays in each quadrant, obverse medallion exhibiting a Praguayn lion, surrounded by the inscription HONOR ET GLORIA PRAEMIUM MERITI, plain reverse with vertical pin and two stays, marked with content of silver “PLATA 925”, measuring 80.36 mm (w) x 80.89 mm (h), presenting minor tarnished silver, the pin is disattached, otherwise very fine condition. The set is accompanied by a miniature original rosette ribbon with button attachment.

The set is contained on a hard structure red box with two functional catches, the exterior lid with a gilded stamped period Paraguayan coat of arms, the interior of the box in white silk with a red recessed medal in cotton, under the medal bed is attached a label from the maker’s workshop, measuring 133 mm (w) x 47 mm (h) x 294 mm (l), presenting minor wearing surfaces, otherwise very good condition.

Footnote: The National Order of Merit was originally instituted on April 8, 1865. It was founded shortly after Paraguay declared war against Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, an engagement known as the Triple Alliance War (1864-1870). The Order was a military award mainly conferred for courage and bravery in the battle field upon those Paraguayan Officers who participated in this engagement. Presumably, the Order had five grades, i.e., Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.