Order of Merit, I Class, Type II (c. 1945- )

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.LBN.0101.105.01.001

Estimated market value:

$300+ USD

  • Order of Merit, I Class (1959-) Obverse
  • Order of Merit, I Class (1959-)Obverse
  • Order of Merit, I Class (1959-)Reverse

Estimated market value:

$300+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Lebanon
  • Makers
  • Composition
    Gilt
  • Inscription
    Rev: [Arabic] Honour and Devotion / State of Great Lebanon
  • Size
    30-36x40mm
  • Version Remarks
    Type II was produced by George Corm and then replaced in the late 1940s by Huguenin Freres, and later Arthus Bertrand. Type II differs from Type I in that the ribbon is red with a green and brown embroidered cedar tree on a white rectangular background.

Physical Description and Item Details


Order of Merit, I Class, Type II (1945- )

A circular medal constructed of silver and gilt,the obverse bears the image of a lion roaring at a man in traditional Lebanese attire with his arms outstretched, with the image of a village and a tree in the background, the top bears laurel leaves, the reverse top bears the Arabic inscription reading HONOUR AND DEVOTION and STATE OF GREAT LEBANON, measuring 30mm in diameter, with ball and ring suspension, on a red ribbon with a green and brown embroidered cedar tree on a white rectangular background, with two prongs for attachment.

History


The Order of Merit was initially established by French Government Mandate on January 22, 1922, but was retained and modified following Lebanon's Independence by the Code of Decorations Decree on June 12, 1959. The Order is conferred in 4 Classes, plus an Extraordinary and Grand Cordon Class, in recognition of outstanding service to the Lebanese government, exemplary acts of courage of high moral value, or for devotion to duty to the state. Long-standing public establishments and foreigners may also be eligible for the award.

The I Class Decoration is awarded to personnel of the rank of colonel and above who have served for a minimum of 30 years. The Decoration features a set of palm leaves superimposed on the top of the Medal below the suspension.

The obverse features the word "Lebanon" in Arabic.

There are 2 versions of the I Class Decoration which vary by inscription. Early versions feature both a French and Arabic inscription on the reverse which translates to "State of Greater Lebanon Honour and Devotion." Decorations issued post-Independence feature only an Arabic inscription on the reverse which translates to "Chivalry and Honour, the State of Greater Lebanon."

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