United Kingdom. An Indian Order of Merit, II Class

Type I (1837-1912). Three-piece construction, two-piece insignia in silver with blue enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, engraved "2nd Class Order of Merit" on the reverse, measuring 41.7 mm (w) x 46 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, chipping evident in the blue enamels on the insignia, contact marks, replacement ribbon, better than fine.

Footnote: The Indian Order of Merit (Military) was instituted in 1837 by the Honourable East India Company and discontinued in 1947. It was awarded for gallantry in battle displayed by members of the Indian Army. It was originally issued in three grades, but the highest class was abolished in 1912 when Indian personnel became eligible for the Victoria Cross, and was reduced to a single class in 1945. It has four types: Type I (1837-1912), Type II (1912-1939), Type III (1939-1949) and Type IV (1945-1947).