Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Civil Merit, Grand Cross Breast Star, c.1960

(Orden al Mérito Civil). Instituted by King Alfonso XIII on June 25, 1926. Of high quality manufacture, an exceptional and desirable beaded eight-armed cross in polished silver, the obverse in silver gilt featuring an unusual superimposed silver female figure on an enameled white background, circumscribed by an enameled blue white-framed four-armed cross with the inscription AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), crowned by period Spanish imperial crown in gilt with red and green enamels, reverse featuring an ornamented central pin assembly and two stays, measures 75.8 mm (w) x 80.7 mm (h), weighs 75.89 grams, pin on reverse is slightly bent sideways, notable enamel chips and flakes on the cross and central medallion, 3 o’clock arm slightly bent, remains very fine. 

Contained in the original case of issue, silk covered wooden exterior with a silver plaque on the lid marked GESA ILMO SR. D. PEDRO REUS PUJADAS ANO 1960, with interior marked Villanueza y Laiseca JOYEROS Madrid, black velvet base with indent for pin, measures 125 mm (w) x 167 mm (h) x 46 mm (d), wear to silk, functional hinge and clasp, notable wear, near very fine.