Argentina, Republic. An Order of May for Military Merit, Breast Star, by Joyeria Ricciardi

(Orden de Mayo al Mérito Militar). Instituted in 1957. Two-piece construction, circular insignia in bronze gilt with light blue and white enamels, illustrating the bust of a right-facing man holding a flagpole in his right hand that bears the flag of Argentina in the background, inscribed "AL MERITO" above, the insignia mounted to a square base in silvered and gilt bronze with red enamels, the base incorporating four large emanating rays at the centre points of the square along with four ball finials of its corners, measuring 81.3 mm (w) x 81.3 mm (h), horizontal pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, black dimpled exterior, the lid bearing the Argentina coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "JOYERIA Ricciardi Bs. AIRES - MAR DEL PLATA PARIS" with the company's insignia, base with a medal bed incorporating a raised platform in black felt, measuring 139.5 mm (w) x 139.5 mm (h) x 47.5 mm (d), case also extremely fine.