(Orden Honor al Merito). Instituted 1861. 1861-1881 Issue. A superb cross of French manufacture, in Gold, consisting of a white enamelled cross with ball finials, with finely enamelled laurels and coffee branches in each quadrant, obverse centre depicting the coat of arms of Venezuela, encircled by an enamelled blue border inscribed by REPUBLICA DE VENEZUELA (Republic of Venezuela), reverse depicting engraved inscription 29 AGOSTO 1861 (29 August, 1861) surrounded by the inscription HONOR AL MERITO (Honor in Merit) on a blue enamelled border, with a French eagles head hallmark on 6 o'clock laurel branch denoting 18k Gold content manufactured in France post 1838, measuring 36.37 mm (w) x 42.65 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), on original ribbon with officer's rosette, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Honor was unofficial instituted in Venezuela in 1861. It was awarded from 1861 until 1881, when it was replaced for the Order of the Liberator. It was mainly manufactured by European makers, in particular French made.

