FRANCE - NATIONAL ORDER OF MERIT Lot including : - An earthenware plate decorated with the medal of the National Order of Merit, pewter mount, marked on the reverse "Fait main, Pornic, France". - A pewter trophy forming a handshake of the National Association of the Members of the National Order of Merit for the Prize of Civism for the youth - 6 paperweights in molded glass from the Cristallerie de Montbronn, 4 of them in their boxes. Diameter: 8 cm. 3,15 in. - A paperweight of the Section of Paris of the National Association of the Members of the National Order of Merit, with decoration of the Hotel des Invalides. Size: 5 x 8 x 5 cm. 1,97 x 3,15 x 1,97 in. - 3 medals of the Quarantenary of the creation of the National Order of Merit by General de Gaulle (1963-2003), in their boxes. Diameter: 5,2 cm. 2,05 in. Minor wear for all objects, moisture stains on and inside the boxes of paperweights The National Order of Merit is the second national order, after the Legion of Honor, intended to honor French citizens. It can be awarded within the framework of a public, civil or military function or thanks to the exercise of a private activity. The Order is divided into different grades: Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross. It was created in 1963 as part of a broad reform led by General Catroux, then Grand Chancellor. This reform was also supported by General de Gaulle.