Argentina - Republic of: Order of May for Merit (Orden de Mayo Al Mérito), 1st Class Grand Cross Star, silver-gilt and enamels, and of circa 1960’s manufacture, with horizontal pinback fitting along with retaining hook on the reverse. A good example of type.
Condition: enamel work good, Good Very Fine.
The Order of May is one of the highest decorations in Argentina. The order is named after the May Revolution which led to the birth of the Republic of Argentina. It was founded as the Order of Merit by Decree No. 8506/46, 1946. On December 17, 1957, the rules of the order were modified and the Order of Merit was renamed the Order of May by Decree No. 16,629. It is awarded to foreigners who distinguish themselves by service or personal achievement, or who have gained the nation's gratitude, in six grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight, in Civil, Military, Naval and Aeronautical Divisions. In 1958, the regulation was further amended and the Necklace of the (Civil) Merit category was abolished, and it is currently only a military honour.
