$1,000
A pair of Order of Military Merit medals [Ordem do Mérito Militar] presented to Pelé. The Order of Military Merit is an award given by the Brazilian Army and is presented in five grades. It recognizes distinguished service and exceptional contributions to Brazil by members of the Brazilian Army and the armies of friendly nations. The grades, in descending order, are Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. In this group are two versions of the medal. The first is a white enamel cross with a gold tone metal and green enamel badge inscribed "Merito Militar" attached to a green ribbon with white stripes. The back of this medal features a gold tone medal with "Repúblic Federativa Do Brazil 1934" surrounding three enamel circles. The second medal is a white enamel cross with a gold tone metal and green enamel badge inscribed "Merito Militar" affixed to a silver tone star background. On the back of this medal is a horizontal pin fixing. The group also includes a miniature pin version of the medal with the ribbon, with rosette, and a button-hole rosette. The medals are accompanied by an Order of Military Merit certificate, presented to Pelé by the President of Brazil in grateful appreciation for Pelé’s work as a “Ministro de Estado” [Cabinet Member]. The certificate confers on Pelé the degree of “Grand Officer” and was given to him with the medals. The certificate is dated April 19, 1995 and is housed in a green leather folio. Medal, largest, 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 i
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2016-06-07
