Breast Star. Silver gilt, enamels; 79.5 mm in height, 72.4 mm in width, weighs 77.2 g. The center medallion is encircled in white-enameled ring with two red-enameled banners, the top of which is inscribed with the full name of the order, AL MERITO POR SERVICIOS DISTINGUIDOS, while the bottom banner spells out REPUBLICA PERUANA. The reverse is in silver gilt, with the cartouche in the center maker-marked CASA NACIONAL DE MONEDA, LIMA PERU.

In excellent, outstanding condition.

Sash Badge. Silver gilt, enamels, 64.3 mm in height (incl. eyelet), 55.3 mm in width. Weighs 42.2 g. Suspended from a decorative bar linked to a plain ring that goes into the carabiner of the sash. The design of both sides of the badge is identical with the breast star.

In excellent condition.

The Sash is in purple moiré silk with a bow tie.

In very fine to excellent condition, showing just mild discoloration to the bow tie and to another small area of the sash, apparently due to prolonged exposure to light. The silk is very clean and free of any significant wear.

Lapel Pin. Miniature in size, measuring just 9.5 mm wide. In excellent condition.

Case of Issue. In wood finished in oilcloth on the outside. Measures 14 x 29 x 5 cm. The fitted space on the bottom is finished in short- pile velvet, with space underneath for the sash. The inside of the lid is padded and lined with off-white silk. Outside, the lid is embossed with the state emblem of Peru.

In excellent condition. The box is structurally sound; the hinge is strong and tight. The oilcloth cover shows a small scuff near the front right-hand corner and a small worn-off area at the bottom left-hand corner when viewing the box from behind. The velvet and silk inside are near-pristine.

The Order of Merit for Distinguished Service (Order al Merito por Servicios Distinguidos) was instituted on 18 July 1950 and is awarded for distinguished services to Peru in the fields of the arts, sciences, industry or business.