White enamel Maltese cross with black enamel edges and gilt ball-tipped finials, with gilt and green and red enamel laurel wreath between the arms, on swivel oval gilt and green enamel palm wreath suspension; the face with a circular central black enamel medallion bearing a gilt five-pointed star within a pale blue enamel ring; the reverse with a circular central black enamel medallion dated ‘1959’ and circumscribed ‘MERITE CENTRAFRICAIN’ in gilt letters within a pale blue enamel ring; on original ribbon mounted for wear with rosette denoting an award of the ‘officer’ class; with a ribbon bar and buttonhole rosette, both mounted for wear. The Order was instituted on 20 June 1959 and is the highest award of the Central African Republic, awarded for especial merit in the humanitarian, economic and social spheres. The territory of Ubangi-Shari (Oubangui-Chari) in central Africa became an autonomous French territory on 1 December 1958 and became independent on 13 August 1960 as the Central African Republic (République Centrafricaine). The award was almost certainly made in Paris, probably by either Arthus Bertrand or Ets. Chobillon. A decree of 13 October 1961 fixed the creation of number of Officers to a maximum of 30 per year. A rare set in superb condition.
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