(Orden Nacional al Mérito). Instituted in 1921. Type I (1921-1937). A high scarce decoration constructed of Gold (18Kt), shaping a twelve-pointed Ecuadorian sun with rayed arms, the sun’s arms are interlaced by a delicate laurel wreath also in Gold, with obverse centre displaying an etched landscape of Pichincha, Ecuador, along with the inscription REPÚBLICA DEL ECUADOR - AL MÉRITO (Republic of Ecuador - To Merit), the reverse is plain, presenting quality mark “K18” in the six o’clock arm, denoting 0.75 Gold fineness, measuring 35.13 mm (w) x 38.74 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), suspended by a typical flat laurel wreath in Gold, on an original breast ribbon, light contact, extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The National Order of Merit was instituted in Ecuador on October 8, 1921 as the Medal of Merit. Its name was changed to the National Order of Merit in 1929, when the Medal became an Order. The grades were regulated on June 28, 1937, when the Grand Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight were created. The Order is currently awarded to civil and military personnel, either foreigners or Ecuadorians, in recognition of outstanding achievements in the fields of diplomacy, science, literature, and the arts. It is Ecuador’s second-highest award.