Uruguay, Republic. An Order Of The Eastern Republic, Grand Cross Set, 1984

(Orden de la República Oriental de Uruguay). Instituted February 21, 1984. A rare Grand Cross Set, comprising a sash badge, in silver gilt a blue and white enamelled cross with clusters of smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features the Uruguayan coat of arms surrounded by a green enamel wreath and white banner below inscribed ORDEN DE LA REPUBLICA, with a Sun of May above, the reverse is plain with two small rivets to affix the medallion to the obverse, measures 51.3mm (w) x 54.1mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 24.4 grams, enamels intact, lovely gilt, a rare decoration in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Star of the Order, an eight point silver gilt star of smooth rays with a beaded border on each ray, the center medallion features a superimposed blue and white enamel cross, with the coat of arms in the center, surrounded by a green enamel laurel and oak wreath and a white banner below inscribed ORDEN DE LA REPUBLICA, and the Sun of May on top, the reverse offers a decorative vertical pin with two small stays, measures 90.6mm (w) x 91.1mm (h), weighs 80.8 grams, enamels intact, minor gilt and contact marks, a rare star in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay was established in 1984 by the military junta that ruled Uruguay at that time. It was awarded to foreign civilians in recognition of meritorious contributions to the country. The Order fell into disuse a year later after the Military government was replaced by a Democratic government on March 6, 1985. As a result, the Order is extremely rare in all grades.