Silver gilt, enamels; 58.5 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 57.7 mm in width, weighs 40.5 g. The badge is suspended from a small metal ring which, in turn, is suspended from a gold-plated silver loop through which the neck ribbon is threaded. The ribbon is 37.5 mm wide, in indigo watered silk with double green edges.

In very fine condition. The top ray shows minor enamel repair under the eyelet on both sides. On the reverse, the blue enamel around the escutcheon is somewhat chipped but most of it is intact. There is no other wear to the badge visible to the naked eye. The ribbon has a small tear, about 7 mm long, and is slightly discolored about an inch to the right and left of the suspension loop, probably due to being stored in the open box, exposed to light, but shows no other wear or damage, and is very clean.

The presentation case is in very fine condition, appears to be of the period and possibly the original case of issue.

The Order of Maritime Merit is a civil order established on 9 February 1930 for services rendered by seamen in recognition of the risks involved, and to reflect the importance of the merchant fleet to the economy of the country. The order has been reorganized twice since its inception but remains one of just four specialized orders of merit not absorbed into the National Order of Merit.