Order of Social Merit

[Megan]

The Order of Social Merit (Ordre du Mérite Social) was instituted on 25 October 1936 to award meritorious service within institutions and the like concerned with social legislation. It was administed by the Ministry of Labour. Like many other such orders, it was discontinued when the National Order of Merit was established on 1 January 1964.

It was awarded in three classes: Commander, Officer and Knight. The badge of the order is a 7-pointed star enamelled in blue, the metal being gold for commanders and officers and silver for knights. The central medallion bears on the obverse the symbolic female head of 'The Republic' with 'Mérite Social' around it, and on the reverse 'Ministére du Travail' (Ministry of Labour). The ribbon is red with blue edges.

Commander:

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Officer:

Knight:

 

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[Bison]

Hi Megan,

This is a huge topic from a phaleristic point of view. This is one of the French ministerial Order which has been made by a lot of private makers... with a myriad of variations...

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Here is my favorite, made by Louis Aubert, with the observe centre in gold and in two parts:

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Which differs greatly from the official model from the Monnaie de Paris:

Regards

Olivier

 

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[Rogi]

Fantastic pieces Olivier

 

Many thanks for sharing them with us the Louis Aubert example is very beautiful but the original has its merits and beauty as well.

[paul wood]

Olivier,

Truly amazing, I see the embryo of a publication "The French Ministerial Orders and their variations" could make a weighty tome.

Paul