Spain, Franco Period. An Order Of Civil Merit, Lapel Badge In Gold And Diamonds

(Orden Del Merito Civil). Instituted June 25 1926 by King Alfonso XII. Franco Era (1938-1975). A beautiful lapel badge in 18K Gold, presenting a four-point star in Gold with the silver central ray of the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock arm presenting three small diamonds and the 12 o’clock presenting one diamond, the blue enamelled Saltire Cross, the central medallion features the AL MERITO CIVIL, surmounted by an imperial crown and a green enamelled wreath, the reverse is marked 18K, with a lapel button plate showing a ring of gold detailing, small enamel chip to the inscription ring at 6 o’clock, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit (Orden del Mérito Civil) 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.