Spain, Franco Period. An Order Of Civil Merit, I Class Commander Star, C.1950

(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted 1926 by King Alfonso XII of Spain; re-instituted 1942 by General Francisco Franco. Franco’s issue. Likely Cejalvo manufacture, a multiple-rayed eight-pointed star in silver, the obverse superposing by an enameled blue white-bordered Saltire Cross, with central inscription standing AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit) circumscribing an etched insignia’s portrait, surmounting by typical of period Imperial Spanish crown, the reverse with central pin assembly flanked by two stays, measuring 69.22 mm (w) x 72.16 mm (h), presenting general tarnished silver, otherwise very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit was established by King Alfonso XII/Alphonso XII on June 25, 1926. It was abolished by the Second Spanish Republic in 1933, but reinstated by General Francisco Franco in 1942. It is conferred upon those either Spanish or foreign citizens who has displayed civil virtue and meritorious actions that served to the interests of Spanish culture. The original grades were Grand Cross, Commander by Number, Knight and Silver Cross. The Collar was added in 1957, and the Officer in 1942. All grades added versions for women during the 1998 regulations, with slightly smaller size than the versions awarded to men.