Order was originally supposed to be introduced in 1909 but was founded only after the 1911 Revolution by President Yuan Shi-kai on August 8, 1912, as the second highest order of the Republic of China. Originally it was intended only for Chinese citizens but after 1916 the highest class could be given to foreign Heads of State. It had six classes, for which the holders wore only a breast star, and carried an annual allowance and a title of nobility (up to 1916). In 1916 the name of the order was changed to "Order of Merit". Although this order was “a lifetime honor”, in case of treason or criminal/political crime recipient could be striped of award. Interesting that after the death of recipient his descendants or relatives were obliged to hand over his award to authorities, but only few have a chance to do so, since this award was in use only for 17 years.
Rare original sketch of the one of the proposed designs of the order, 1909.
Pearls.
Grand class breast star has 13 pearls.
1st class breast star has 11 pearls.
2nd class breast star has 9 pearls.
3rd class breast star has 7 pearls.
4th class breast star has 5 pearls.
5th class breast star has 3 pearls.
Ranks.
Together with the order awardee received the corresponding rank of nobility.
Grand class = Prince of the first rank - Qinwang (亲王)
1st class = Duke/Yi gong qin (乙公亲)
2nd class = Marquis/Bing hou qin (丙侯亲)
3rd class = Count/Ding bo qin (丁伯亲)
4th class = Viscount/Wu zi qin (戊子亲)
5th class = Baron/Yi nan qin (已男亲)
Annual pensions.
Grand class = annual pension of 10 000 yuan
1st class = annual pension of 8 000 yuan
2nd class = annual pension of 6 000 yuan
3rd class = annual pension of 5 000 yuan
4th class = annual pension of 4 000 yuan
5th class = annual pension of 3 000 yuan
Numbers of breast stars issued in each class between 1912 and 1916.
Grad class - 6
1st class - 10
2nd class - 51
3rd class - 38
4th class - 41
5th class - 121
A total of 267 orders.
Number of orders that were issued between 1916 and 1928 is unknown.