(Nishan al-Iftikhar). Instituted in 1835. 3rd Model (1856-1957), Type IV with Cypher of Muhammad IV al-Hadi (1902-1906). In silver, with a green enamelled centrepiece, the star points in alternating red and green enamels, with three faceted rays between each star point, Tunisian hallmarked on the reverse, measuring 60.5 mm (w) x 86.5 mm (h) inclusive of its bow suspension, chipping and crazing evident in the red or green enamels on the tips of four star points, on its original full-length neck ribbon, very fine.
Accompanied by:
1. Order of Glory Award Document, Named to Infantry Captain, Commander Gaspar Orta Gonzales (dated May 2, 1908 at Tunis, obverse inscribed in French: "No. 998 / 1446 / Louangea a Dieu seul! / L.S. / De la part du Serviteur de Dieu glorifié, de celui qui met en Dieu sa confiance et lui laisse le soin de des destinées, Mohammed el Hadi Pacha-Bey, Possesseur du Royaume de Tunia / à Monsieur Gaspar Orta Gonzales / Captaine d'Infanterie / Sur la proposition de Notre Ministre des Affaires Etrangères, qui nous connaitre vos nobles qualités; Nous vous avons conféré cette décoration; Notre Nom s'y trouve gravé et elle est de la deuxième classe de Notre Ordre du Nichan-Iftikhar (Commandeur). Portez-la avec joie et bonheur! / Ecrit le 1e Rabia El Aoual Beh (25 Avril 1908) / Contresigné Mohammad el Aziz bou Attour. / Pour traduction certifiée conforme: L'Interprète de la Résidence Générale, Vu pour la légalisation de la signature ci-dessus de M. J. Grech, Interprète de cette Résidence Générale: / Tunis, le 22 Mai 1906. POUR LE RESIDENT GENERAL ET PAR DELEGATION: LA PREMIER SECRETAIRE D'AMBASSADE" (No. 998/1446 / Praise be to God alone! / L.S. / On behalf of the glorified Servant of God, of the one who puts his trust in God and leaves him the care of destinies, Mohammed el Hadi Pasha-Bey, Possessor of the Kingdom of Tunia / to Mr. Gaspar Orta Gonzales / Captain of the Infantry / On the proposal of Our Minister of Foreign Affairs, who we know your noble qualities; We have given you this decoration; Our Name is engraved on it and it is of the second class of Our Order of Nichan-Iftikhar (Commander). Wear it with joy and happiness! / Written on the 1st Rabia El Aoual Beh (April 25, 1908) / Countersigned Mohammad el Aziz bou Attour. / For certified translation: The Interpreter of the General Residence, / Seen for the legalization of the above signature by Mr. J. Grech, Interpreter of this General Residence: / Tunis, May 22, 1906. For the General Residence and by Delegation: The First Secretary of the Embassy), with personalized inscriptions and the signature of the Interpreter of the General Residence in handwritten black ink, stamped signature of the First Secretary of the Embassy in black ink, stamped in blue ink with the seal of the General Residence of France in Tunis, reverse with a short inscription in pencil, measuring 222 mm (w) x 332 mm (h), exhibiting tearing along the fold marks, plus soiling and foxing).
2. Tunisian Award Document (dated December 27, 1905, obverse with the text in Arabic, signature in black ink at the lower right, bearing the Tunisian coat-of-arms and seal, all within an ornate framed border, reverse inscribed in handwritten black ink "Commandeur Monsieur Gaspar Orta Gonzales / Captaine d'Infanterie", numbered "1446" and date stamped in blue ink "27 DEC 1905", printed in black ink, on an off-white paper stock, measuring 344 mm (w) x 414 mm (h), fold marks, exhibiting browning on the edges).
Footnote: The Order of Glory (AKA Order of Nichan-Iftikhar) was instituted in 1835 by Al-Mustafa ibn Mahmud, the Bey of Tunisia and awarded to members of the ruling house, senior public servants and to senior officers for acts of bravery. It was awarded in six grades: Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight 1st Class, and Knight 2nd Class. The order was awarded until the constitutional role of the Bey was abolished in 1957.