Spain, Kingdom. An Order Of Isabel The Catholic In Gold, Commander C.1880

(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted by King Ferdinand VII on March 24, 1815. King Alphonso XII Issued. Constructed of 18kt Gold, an enameled red faceted Maltese Cross with ball finials and clifted ends, featuring cluster of delicate multiple Gold rays in each quadrant, surmounted by an enameled green laurel wreath attached to a period loop suspension with white enamel. The obverse center features a handmade Order’s insignia with enamel, surrounded by a white enameled border inscribed A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA (To Pure Loyalty), the reverse center presents the cypher of Isabella II on an enameled blue background, encircled by the inscription POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA (For Isabel the Catholic), with a white enameled border, measuring 52.09 mm (w) x 90.83 mm (h - inclusive of loop suspension), weighting 28.1 grams, presenting minor loss of green enamel and white enamel on the loop suspension, with slightly detached centre medallions, light contact, suspended by a later original ribbon, otherwise near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Isabella the Catholic was instituted as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholicby royal decree of March 24, 1815. The name of the Order was modified when the Spanish Crown abandoned its intentions of ruling Latin America and overseas on April 15, 1889. The Order was founded as a civil and military order awarded in recognition of those men who had served the interests of the Spanish Crown in Latin America and overseas.