The star-shaped medallion is in gilded brass and enamels; measures 48.0 mm in height including the eyelet, 42.3 mm in width. The triangular ribbon bears a 19.5 mm wide metal device known as the "Small Decoration" reproducing the design of the breast star.

Very fine to excellent condition. The lower right arm of the star has a couple of tiny surface flakes that are nearly unnoticeable to the naked eye; the enamel is otherwise perfect and shows a very attractive luster throughout. The gilt finish is bright on both sides. The ribbon is sound and clean.

The Order of Merit was founded on 24 October 1949; the first presentation of its various degrees appears to have been on May Day of 1950 - with a substantial share of awards going to Soviet citizens. This decoration was awarded for less than three years and came in five classes. Each of the three higher classes of the award consisted of the breast star (76 mm wide for the 1st cl. and 54 mm for the 2nd and 3rd) and the medal with an additional "small decoration" badge of appropriate size attached to its ribbon. Judging by the latter, the medal offered here could have been presented to the winner of either the 2nd or 3rd class of the award. There were only 285 of the 3rd cl. ever issued and 174 of the 2nd cl.