Three-piece construction, in silver gilt with red and white enamels, measuring 47 mm (w) x 58 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, on its original full-length neck ribbon, accompanied by a chart printed in red ink documented the various levels of the Order immediately to the left, both items mounted within a matted area, housed under glass in a 490 mm (w) x 415 mm (h) reddish-wood frame, the reverse with a kraft paper covering, stamped in red ink "Canadian Veterans Museum Association / R.R. #3, Box A4, Singhampton, ON N0C 1M0" and inscribed in handwritten black marker "Officer Grade Specimen / Order of Canada", with a horizontal wire strung between two loops for wall hanging, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Canada (French: Ordre du Canada) is a Canadian national order and the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada. It comes second only to membership in the Order of Merit, which is the personal gift of Canada's monarch. To coincide with the centennial of Canadian Confederation, the three-tiered order was established in 1967, as a fellowship that recognizes the outstanding merit or distinguished service of Canadians who make a major difference to Canada through lifelong contributions in every field of endeavour, as well as the efforts by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions. Membership is accorded to those who exemplify the order's Latin motto "desiderantes meliorem patriam" (they desire a better country), a phrase taken from Hebrews 11:16. It comes in three grades, which are, in order of precedence: Companion (French: Compagnon), Officer (French: Officier), and Member (French: Membre), each having accordant post-nominal letters that members are entitled to use. Specific individuals may be given extraordinary membership and deserving non-Canadians may receive honorary appointment into each grade. The Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is Sovereign of the order and the serving Governor General, is its Chancellor and Principal Companion and administers the order on behalf of the Sovereign. Appointees to the order are recommended by an advisory board and formally inducted by the Governor General or the sovereign. As of August 2017, 6,898 people have been appointed to the Order of Canada, including scientists, musicians, politicians, artists, athletes, business people, film stars, benefactors, and others. Some have resigned or have been removed from the order, while other appointments have been controversial. Appointees are presented with insignia and receive the right to armorial bearings. Promotions in grade are possible, though this is ordinarily not done within five years of the initial appointment,