Spain, Kingdom. An Order Of Military Merit With Red Distinction, By The Progressive Government Against The Bourbon Dynasty 1868

(Cruz Mérito Militar Distintivo Rojo Gobierno Progresista). In 18K Gold with red, white and blue enamels, weighing 15.2 grams inclusive of its ribbon and hanger, measuring 37 mm (w) x 54.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, on a traditional Spanish-style horizontal hanger with pinback, crazing evident in the white enamels on the reverse centrepiece, otherwise, the enamels are intact, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior, partial maker's label affixed to the white cloth inside lid, black felt medal bed, measuring 52 mm (w) x 95 mm (h) x 22 mm (d), wear and scuffing evident on the exterior, loose hinge, case fine.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was instituted on August 3, 1864 by Queen Isabel II, revised in 1931, 1936, 1942, 1970, 1977, 1995 and 2003. It is awarded for acts of bravery, distinction, service or merit by members of the Armed Forces, or civilians in support of the military. Juan Carlos I (Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón, born January 5, 1938) is a member of the Spanish royal family who reigned as King of Spain from November 1975 until his abdication in June 2014. In Spain, since his abdication, Juan Carlos has usually been referred to as the Rey Emérito ("King Emeritus").