Peru, Republic. An Order of Naval Merit with White Distinction, I Class Grand Cross Star, c.1950

(Orden al Mérito Naval). Instituted in 1946. Cross and anchor insignia in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, mounted to an eighteen-pointed silver gilt star base, each star point with five emanating rays and outlined in a beaded rule between each ray, maker marked "CASA DE MONEDA LIMA - PERU" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 78.5 mm (w) x 77.5 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual prongs, exhibiting chipping and repair in the white enamels on the cross at the upper left beside the ring and stock of the anchor, small chip in the blue enamels on the stock of the anchor, the insignia slightly loose versus the silver gilt star base, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Naval Merit was instituted in 1946 as the Peruvian Cross for Naval Merit, to reward Peruvian military personnel who have displayed extraordinary naval merit in the performance of their duties. It may be awarded to foreign nationals as well, in three grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer and Commander, in two divisions: White (peacetime) and Red (wartime), the latter extremely rare.