(Nishan al-Istaqaq / نیشان الإستقق). Instituted in 1953. Type II (1958-1972). Six-piece construction, in silver gilt with royal blue and white enamels, type II with the coat-of-arms used for the United Arab Republic (1958-1971) and Egypt (1971-1972), marked with the Cairo Assay Office mark and a "9" and "0" for silver fineness (.900 silver = 90% or 900/1000) on the reverse cartouche and on the loop, measuring 58.5 mm (w) x 80.5 mm (h) inclusive of its coat-of-arms suspension, intact enamels, very light contact, on an incorrect full-length neck ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted in 1953 and is awarded for valuable services to Egypt, in five classes: I Class Badge with Breast Star, II Class Badge with Breast Star, III Class, IV Class and V Class.