Tunisia, Republic. An Order of the Republic, I Class Grand Cordon, c.1965

(wisam aljumhuria / وسام الجمهورية). Instituted in 1959. Type II (1963-Date). Badge: five-piece construction, in frosted silver with red and green enamels, maker marked "AB & Co" (Arthus Bertrand & Compagnie) on the obverse of the ring, measuring 62.8 mm (w) x 73.5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, scattered silver frosting wear evident on both sides, scratches and contact marks on the reverse, on its original full-length sash; and Breast Star: in frosted silver with red and green enamels, maker marked "AB & Co" (Arthus Bertrand & Compagnie) on the pin, measuring 81.8 mm (w) x 86 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, flaking and crazing evident in the green enamels on the centrepiece around the Tunisia coat-of-arms on the obverse, the coat-of-arms rotated slightly counter-clockwise, scattered silver frosting wear on the reverse and on the pin. Together, better than very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Republic was instituted on March 16 1959 and is awarded to Tunisians and foreigners who have contributed to the establishment of the Republic, the development of the regime and the strengthening of its institutions, in five grades: Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.