Cuba, Republic. An Order of Carlos Manuel De Cespedes, Grand Cross Set

 Instituted 1926. A lovely Cuban manufactured Grand Cross Set, consisting of a sash badge, in silver gilt, a coloured enamel decoration, the central medallion consisting of a front facing bust of Carlos Manuel De Cespedes, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed CARLOS MANUEL DE CESPEDES 1868 (Year of Cuban Independence), surrounded by a silver gilded wreath, with ten silver ornately decorated bursts stemming from the wreath, evenly spaced on a blue enamel ring, the badge totally surrounded by a green laurel wreath with red berries, the reverse medallion presents the Cuban coat of arms on a white enamelled field, measures 50.2 mm (w) x 62.0 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball suspension), worn on full length sash badge, slightly faded, small enamel chips at 6 o’clock on obverse and reverse, remains in near extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by the Breast Star in silver gilt, featuring ten distinct arms, each composed of clusters of individual rays, arms alternating between smooth and faceted finishes, obverse center presenting a gilt portrait of Carlos Manuel Cespedes with a blue enamel border which states CARLOS MANUEL DE CESPEDES 1868 (Year of Cuban Independence), outer gilt wreath with thin red enamel ties as well as ten silver rays represented by crashing waves, reverse with a single pin suspension, central cartouche marked ANTIGUA VILARDEBO Y RIERA HABANA denoting the manufacturer, measures 80.9 mm (w) x 84.4 mm (h), weighs 98.56 grams, enamels intact, gilt wear on rays, remains in very fine condition.

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.