Grand Cross Set of the Order: Sash Badge, 74x78 mm, in gilt Silver as a cross composed of faceted beams flanked by waving, rounded ones, centre medallion with allegory of a man wearing working clothes holding a flag enameled with Argentina’s colours and the inscription “AL MERITO” above, within red enameled area with concave border, similar reverse, but bearing the enameled, Argentinian Coat of Arms to the centre, round suspension loop and moulded, tapering ring. Breast Star, 82 mm, similar to the badge’s obverse but larger, its reverse, fitted with vertical pin. A beautiful, very rare set of Argentina’s highest civil honour, in the class bestowed to Prime Ministers and Secretaries of State; excellent condition. Note: this order was founded by Juan Peron in 1946 and abolished in 1955; the Grand Cross was awarded in a very limited number of cases.