Order of Social Merit, Officer
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.FRA.0121.102.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
France, III Republic. An Order of Social Merit, II Class Officer, c.1950
(Ordre du Mérite Social). Instituted in 1936. In silver with azure blue and white enamels, measuring 39.3 mm (w) x 41.8 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, chipping evident in the azure blue enamels on the tip of the arm at 12 o'clock on the obverse and in the white enamels on the reverse centrepiece, the reverse centrepiece sitting slightly askew, large rosette on its original ribbon, fine.
The Order of Social Merit was created by the decree of October 25, 1936. It replaced the Medal of Honour for Mutual Aid, the Medal of Honour of Social Providence, and the Medal of Honour for Welfare. It was later suppressed when the National Order of Merit was instituted in 1963.
The Order was awarded for exceptional service in institutions concerned with social legislation.
A Knight required at least 5 years of service. Knights could be promoted to Officer after 8 years, and Officers could be promoted to Commander after 5 years.
The obverse inscription translates to "Social Merit," and the reverse inscription translates to "Ministry of Labour."
There may be versions that vary in size, composition, and manufacturer.
Comments
Sign in to comment and reply.
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNT
Scroll Top
