Order of Merit for Crafts

The Order of Artisanal Merit [Ordre du Mérite artisanal], established in France by Decree No. 48-969 dated 11 June 1948 and superseded by Decrees No. 51-1348 of 19 November 1951 and No. 56-22 of 6 January 1956, was intended to reward the preservation and quality of artisanal work by distinguishing professionals whose merit and talent contributed to the prominence of artisanal activities. It was replaced by the National Order of Merit after 1963.