Venezuela, Republic. An Order of Liberator, Grand Cross Star, by A. Fonson, c.1900

(Orden del Libertador). Instituted 1880. A faceted eight-pointed star in silver, the obverse featuring a superposed facing-left portrait of Simon Bolivar in silver, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed with his name, reverse with central pin assembly and dual stays, maker’s cartouche of Auguste Fonson, Bruxelles, who managed the family firm from 1878 to 1902, along with French assay mark denoting .800 silver purity, measuring 79.94 mm (w) x 89.90 mm (h), with toned silver and minor chipped enamel, very good.

Footnote: The Order of the Liberator was founded by Antonio Guzmán Blanco on September 14, 1880, and reformed in 1922 under the presidential term of Juan Vicente Gómez. The Order has as precedent the Medal of Distinction with the bust of the Liberator created on March 11, 1854 under the presidency of José Gregorio Monagas and before that, the Order of the Liberators created by Simón Bolívar in 1813. It was the highest distinction of Venezuela and was appointed for services to the country, outstanding merit and benefits made to the community. It was discontinued in 2010.