Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Aeronautical Merit, Grand Cross, c. 1940

(Ordre del Mérito Aeronáutico). Instituted November 30th, 1945. Consisting of:

1. A Breast Star. Constructed of gilded silver, consisting of a eight-pointed multi-rayed star with multi-faceted surfaces, the obverse depicting a white enameled Greek cross bearing a winged motif consisting of the Coat of Arms of Castile, Leóne, Aragon, Navarre, and Granada, consisting of red and white enameled quadrants, with the white quadrants bearing gilded rampant lions and the red quadrants with gilded towers, with matching lions and towers in the same formation in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the reverse with a functional vertical pinback and dual downward sloping stabilizer pins for secure attachment to a uniform, unmarked, measuring 66.6 mm (w) x 67.7 mm (l).

2. A Sash Badge. Constructed of gilded silver, consisting of a white enameled Greek Cross bearing a winged motif consisting of the Coat of Arms of Castile, Leóne, Aragon, Navarre, and Granada, consisting of red and white enameled quadrants, with the white quadrants bearing gilded rampant lions and the red quadrants with gilded towers, the reverse inscribed with “MA” for “Mérito Aeronáutico” within a red enameled medallion, suspended from a hollow swivel crown using a swivel ring from its period original and full length sash ribbon, unmarked, measuring 38.5 mm (w) x 52.0 mm (l).

A fine Grand Cross Set of a Spanish Order of Aeronautical Merit, with the enamels fully intact and only light loss of the gilt finish visible on the sash badge, in near extremely fine condition.