Colombia, Republic. An Order of Boyacá, I Class Grand Cross Star Case

(Orden de Boyacá). Instituted in 1927. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, the exterior with a black mildly-dimpled leather covering on all sides, the lid bearing the Colombian coat-of-arms and inscribed "ORDEN DE BOYACA / GRAN CRUZ DE PLATA" in gold-coloured ink, inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "FABRICADO EN COLOMBIA POR METALLICAS FIBO Y FITRO LTDA. BOGOTA", black felt medal bed with a vertical slot for the pinback on the Star, dual-hinged, single clasp closure, measuring 110 mm (w) x 110 mm (h) x 35 mm (d), light wear and scuffing evident on the exterior and the inside lip of the base, along with ghosting of tape strips on the lid, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Boyacá is the highest peacetime decoration of Colombia. The order is awarded for exceptional service to distinguished Colombian military officers and civilians, as well as foreign citizens of friendly nations. It traces its origin to a Cruz de Boyacá that was awarded to the generals who led their forces to victory in the Battle of Boyaca in 1819. Re-established in 1919 as the Centennial Cross of Boyacá, an award for military personnel, the Order of Boyacá itself was instituted in 1927, replacing the Centennial Cross of Boyacá. It has undergone revisions and expansions into its current form, with the biggest change happening in 1922, where civilians became eligible for the award. It is awarded for exceptional services to international relations and the armed forces of Colombia, in eight grades: Grand Collar, Extraordinary Grand Cross, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Silver Cross, Commander, Officer and Knight.