Chile, Republic. An Order of Merit, Grand Cross Star with Case, c.1950

(Orden al Mérito). Instituted 1906. 1925-present Issue. In silver gilt, a ball-tipped enameled white five armed star, surrounded by a gilt detailed laurel wreath, both over a multi-rayed ten-pointed sharp gilt plaque, the obverse centre bearing a partially enameled Chilean coat of arms, encircled by an enameled blue ring inscribed ORDEN AL MERITO CHILE, reverse with principle pin assembly flanked by two stays, measuring 71.80 mm (w) x 73.23 mm (h), light contact, minor surface wear and tarnished silver, with slightly detached centerpiece, otherwise very fine condition. Accompanied by the case of the class, constructed of a wood frame with a blue hard-shelled exterior, the obverse lid embossing the Chilean coat of arms below of the inscription REPUBLICA DE CHILE, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner, with ribbon inscribed with a maker’s mark of “Fabricantes Houss Hmos. Casilla 1404 - Santiago (Chile)”, with removable depressed and slotted medal bed, with replacement catch and hook, measuring 115 mm (w) x 42 mm (h) x 230 mm (l), case with surface wear, fine condition. A rare set in very good condition.

Footnote: Originally established as the Medal for Merit in 1906, the Order of Merit had a convoluted beginning while it was amended several times. It was founded to reward exclusively foreign military instructors who taught tactics and discipline to Chilean Officers at the beginning of the twentieth century.