Venezuela. An Order Of The Liberator, Iii Class Commander, C.1940

(Orden del Libertador). Instituted September 14 1880 by President Antonio Guzman Blanco. Type II. (1922-2010). In silver gilt, a multiple-ray sunburst with dual rays at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, the obverse ovular medallion features the right facing profile of Simon Bolivar in a blue enamel surround inscribed SIMON BOLIVAR, the reverse features the Venezuelan coat of arms, measures 47.9mm (w) x 57.8mm (h – inclusive of integral ball), weighs 25.3 grams (including ribbon), worn on a small section of original neck ribbon attached by an ovular suspension loop, enamels intact, wear to gilt on rays, in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Liberator (Orden del Liberator) has a long and convoluted history that began with the creation of the Order of the Liberators of Venezuela by Simon Bolivar on October 22, 1813. This Order was created to reward the military personnel from Gran Colombia and Venezuela who distinguished themselves fighting for the cause of independence. No examples of this Order have survived, and the official documentation is vague regarding the Order's statutes and bestowal conditions.

In 1854, the Distinguished Medal with the Bust of Bolivar (Medalla de Distinción con el Busto del Liberator) was created to reward Chiefs, Generals, and Officers, in recognition of the loyalty to the national cause, as well as civilians who have served notably to the nation. By then, the Medal consisted of a unique grade that displayed the Bust of Bolivar on the obverse, and the Venezuelan coat of arms on the reverse.

Finally, the Medal was promoted to Order by President Antonio Guzmán Blanco in 1881. It was created with five classes: I Class, II Class, III Class, IV Class, and V Class. The I Class, II Class, and III Class featured breast stars with different designs.