(Orden Nacional del Merito). Instituted in 1865, Revised in 1939 and in 1956. Type III (1956-Date). Badge: three-piece construction, in bronze gilt with blue, white and green enamels, unmarked, measuring 60.5 mm (w) x 99.5 mm (h) inclusive of its wealth and laterally-pierced ball suspension, intact enamels, traces of greening evident in the bronze areas around the centrepieces on both sides, on its original full-length neck ribbon; and Breast Star: three-piece construction, in silver, unmarked, measuring 85.5 mm (w) x 82.8 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, very light contact overall. Together, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The National Order of Merit was instituted on April 8, 1865 (Type I), revised on June 23, 1939 (Type II) and revised on September 7, 1956 (Type III). It is awarded for distinguished service to the state, to a person or an organization who has contributed to the benefit of Paraguay in various fields of endeavor, in the fields of culture, leadership and science, among others; in seven grades: Collar, Extraordinary Grand Cross, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.