Chile, Republic. An Order of Merit, Commander, c.1940

(Orden al Mérito). Intituted 1906. Type V (1929-present). An early model consisting of a ball-tipped enameled white five-pointed star in silver, the quadrants embellishing by a surrounded laurel wreath also in silver, suspended by delicate Andean condor suspension in silver gilt, obverse centre in Gold featuring a facing-right woman portrait encircled by the inscription REPUBLICA DE CHILE, mirrored reverse with central medallion also in Gold featuring a laurel leave surrounded by the inscription AL MERITO, measuring 46.34 mm (w) x 67.35 mm (h - inclusive condor suspension and integral ring), toned silver, with loss and dim of white enamel mainly on the reverse, suspended by loop suspension on original neck ribbon, very good condition.

Footnote: The Order was originally established as the Medal for Merit in 1906, to reward exclusively to foreign military personnel and instructors who taught military tactics to Chilean Officers of the beginning of the twentieth century. The Order is still awarded to military personnel and civilians either national or foreigners in recognition of extraordinary and meritorious services rendered to Chile. This Order is the highest award in the country.