Bidspirit auction | A HAITI NATIONAL ORDER OF

A HAITI NATIONAL ORDER OF HONOR AND MERIT - White enamel Maltese cross with laterally-pierced ball suspension, the face with a circular central medallion bearing the arms of Haiti within a blue enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ”MEDAILLE HONNEUR ET MERITE”; the reverse with a circular central medallion inscribed ”REPUBLIQUE D’HAÃTI” within a blue enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ”LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE”; minute chip to the white enamel of the lower right point of the face, some loss of blue enamel to the reverse (see illustration); on original ribbon which has been cut shorter, presumably for display. The Order was instituted on 28 May 1926 and is awarded in five grades both to Haitians and to foreign nationals and is Haiti’s highest award, given to acknowledge distinction not only in the realms of diplomacy and politics but also the arts, charitable works, and other fields of benefit or interest to Haiti. Dimensions: H: 2 1/4 in., (6 cm.)