Peru, Republic. An Order Of The Peruvian Sun, Grand Cross, By Lemaitre

(La Orden El Sol del Peru). Instituted October 8, 1821 by General San Martin. Type II. (1921 + ). A Grand Cross in silver, presenting clusters of five rays, the central medallion features the Peruvian coat of arms surrounded by a red and white enamelled ring inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, with an encircling green enamelled wreath with six o’clock bow, the reverse is plain, with central maker mark LEMAITRE A PARIS, the badge is surmounted by a green enamelled oak and laurel leave wreath, measures 59.4mm (w) x 89.3mm (h – inclusive of suspension wreath and integral ring), 41.8 grams, worn on an original purple sash, large enamel chip missing from the ring, residue between the arms, otherwise in near very fine condition. The Star of the Order, an eighteen point silver star with clusters of five rays, the obverse presenting the Peruvian coat of arms surrounded by a pebbled ring and then a red and white enamelled ring inscribed EL SOL DEL PERU 1821, with an encircling pebbled ring, followed by a green enamelled wreath with six o’clock bow, the reverse presents a single pin with dual stays, the central medallion engraved LEMAITRE A PARIS, measures 77.3mm (w) x 77.6mm (h), weighs 71.4 grams, enamel chip in the inscription ring, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Created just after the end of the War of Independence of Peru, the Order of the Sun (Orden del Sol) was founded by the revolutionary hero General San Martin in 1821 to reward the Peruvian, Argentinian, and Chilean Officers who had distinguished themselves in the Peruvian War of Independence.