Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945

(Orden del Merito Social Penitenciario). Instituted May 1 1944 by Francisco Franco. In silver gilt, the decoration consists of an eight point star with clusters of smooth rays, the obverse bears a large superimposed blue enamelled cross, with the central medallion presenting the Virgin of Mercy in enamels, surrounded by a dark blue ring inscribed MATER CAPTIVORUM (Mother of Captives), the reverse is plain with two rivets at 12 and 6 o’clock, the badge is suspended by an ornate crown with enamels, measuring 50.60mm (w) x 66.70mm (h – inclusive of crown and integral ball), weighs 114.6 grams (including collar), the badge is worn on an affixed collar consisting of 17 alternating red and blue enamelled rounded rectangular shapes, with four chain links between each link, the reverse of each link is plain, measuring 400 mm from the central link to the furthest link (roughly 800 mm in its entirety), light enamel wear, minor contact, both pieces in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Penitentiary Social Merit (Orden del Merito Social Penitenciario) was instituted in Spain by the government of General Francisco Franco on May 1, 1944. It was awarded to the members of the Spanish Prison Corps, in recognition of meritorious service and relevant activities in collaboration with the Spanish penitentiary administration. This Order is also known as the Prison Service Order. It was conferred for a short period from 1944 to 1948.