Nicaragua, Republic. An Order of Saint John of Grey Town, Grand Commander Star, by Chobillon, c. 1900

(Orden de San Juan de Nicarahia). Instituted on May 1, 1857. A silver eight-point star composing clusters of seven faceted rays, with a superimposed silver gilt and white enamelled eight-point star with ball finials and green enamelled laurel wreath between the arms on top, with the central medallion bearing silver bow with crossed firing cannons on a blue enamel field, surrounded by the inscription CIVES URBIS REPARATAE MEMORES, and a secondary laurel wreath encircling the medallion, a silver gilt three towered castle is surmounting the star on the 12 o’clock arm with a blue enamel band inscribed GREY-TOWN, the reverse presents the maker cartouche of Chobillon, Paris and features a single pin and dual stay assembly, measures 89mm in diameter, light enamel chipping from both green enamel wreaths, crown loose, enamel cracking and crazing in the white enamel star, very fine condition. Footnote: The Order of San Juan of Nicaragua (Orden de San Juan de Nicarahia) was founded on May 1, 1857. It was founded after William Walker was deposed as president of Nicaragua. The origins as the foundation city, purpose, and the sponsor names of the Order are still subject of historical debate. The known grades are Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight. The certificates awarding are written in French, but the motto is written in Latin. This Order was given to those who assisted the Town of San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua following the second bombardment of the USS Cyane on July 13, 1854 during the Mexican-American War. However, it is unknown either the purpose of the Order or how many times it was awarded again.