Five-pointed green enamel star with red enamel edges, three silver lances between each arm, on laterally pierced ball suspension with ring bearing hallmark; the face with a circular central green enamel medallion bearing the imposed silver arms of Tunisia within a green-enamel-edged red enamel ring inscribed ‘الجمهورية التونسية’ (Republic of Tunisia); the reverse plain; on original ribbon mounted for wear with rosette denoting an award of the Officer class; with lapel buttonhole; in original fitted case of issue by Arthus Bertrand of Paris. The Order was instituted on 16 March 1959 and was originally a five-pointed white enamel star bearing the portrait of President Bourguiba but was amended in 1967. It is awarded for outstanding merit and for service to the state and may be awarded to both military and civilians and to Tunisian and foreign citizens. A superb example.
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