Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Saint Raymond Of Penafort, Cross Of Honour Collar And Star, C.1940

(Orden de San Raimundo Penafort). Instituted January 23 1944 by General Francisco Franco. A Collar set in silver gilt, featuring 23 links of alternating patterns between silver thin bordered rectangles with a near savoy knot in the center, flanked by two smaller silver gilt rectangles with matching borders, one superimposed with the enamelled figure of Saint Raymond and the other with a white enamelled shield with scales, a sword and the inscription JUSTITIA, totaling 11 large links and 12 small links (6 of each), the reverse of all links is plain, the collar is joined by a small wreath link that the badge is suspended from, the silver badge presents white enamel Maltese cross with ball finials, a silver knot in each quadrant, a sword pierces the 12 o’clock arm bearing the handle and the tip in the knees, the 12 and 6 o’clock arms bear the inscription S RAY MVN DVS PENNA FORTI, superimposed on the center sits Saint Raymond in multi-coloured enamels with blue banner below inscribed IN JURE MERITA, reverse is plain with two rivets, measures 49.5mm (w) x 55.8mm (h), enamels intact, the collar and badge weigh 167.9 grams, light gilt wear on links, very fine condition.

Accompanied by a Breast Star comprising a silver, a white enamel Maltese cross with ball finials, a silver wreath in each quadrant, a sword pierces the 12 o’clock arm bearing the handle and the tip in the knees, the 12 and 6 o’clock arms bear the inscription S RAY MVN DVS PENNA FORTI, superimposed on the center sits Saint Raymond in multi-coloured enamels with blue banner below inscribed IN JURE MERITA, the reverse presents a decoration vertical pin with dual stays, measures 68.9mm (w) x 75.5mm (h), weighs 56.5 grams, light pitting in enamel, in very fine condition.