(Nishan al-Istaqaq). Instituted in 1953. Badge: five-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, mounted to a ten-pointed silver gilt star base, the star points alternating with five emanating gilt rays and five faceted rays, marked with the Cairo assay mark, the national lotus flower symbol and date marked in Arabic on the reverse, measuring 58.2 mm (w) x 83 mm (h) inclusive of its eagle coat-of-arms suspension, on its full-length original neck ribbon; and Breast Star: six-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, surmounted by the eagle coat-of-arms in silver gilt with red, white and black enamels, mounted to a ten-pointed silver gilt star base, the star points alternating with five emanating gilt rays and five faceted rays, marked with the Cairo assay mark and date marked in Arabic, along with an additional mark on the reverse, measuring 75.8 mm (w) x 81.5 mm (h), vertical pinback. Intact enamels, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, deep red leather-look exterior, marked with the Republic of Egypt coat-of-arms, along with the name of the award and marked with the number "2" in Arabic on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded, with a manufacturer's label inscribed "FAHMY T. BICHAY CAIRO", base in white satin with a raised platform in lightly soiled white felt, with a medal bed and slotted medal bed for the badge and breast star, respectively, case near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Merit was instituted in 1953 and awarded for valuable services to Egypt, in five grades.