Spain, Franco Period. A Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise in Gold and Diamonds, Grand Cross, c.1940

(Orden Civil de Alfonso X El Sabio). Established by General Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. 1939-present issue. Of high quality manufacture, a rare and very impressive grand cross set of the Order constructed of Gold and real diamonds, the badge consisting of a finely enameled red four-armed cross with opened Fleur-de-lis ends in 18kt Gold, with obverse centre featuring a hand-made figure of Alfonso X the Wise in multi-colored enamels, superimposing on a nicely enameled blue background, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), inscribed on an enameled white border, the reverse depicting typical of time period Spanish eagle in red, yellow, and blue enamels, along with the engraved Latin motto ALTIORA PETO (My Highest Objective), measuring 56.34 mm (w) x 60.98 mm (h - inclusive of the integral ring), weighing 33.9 grams, presenting light contact, on original sash ribbon with bow, great badge in near mint condition. Accompanied by a marvelous breast star, consisting of a red four-armed cross with Fleur-de-lis ends, the arms are composed by exquisitely faceted synthetic rubies, encrusted on a solid frame of 18kt Gold, the obverse featuring a detailed hand-made figure of Alphonso X the Wise in enamels, superimposing on a pleasant enameled blue background, bordered by an enameled white ring with the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON in black lettering, as well as a ring composed of a row of fine karat real diamonds in small size, the reverse with typical ornamented pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 81.37 mm (w) x 81.37 mm (h), weighing 74.8 grams, an exquisite and extremely rare set of insignia in near mint condition.    

Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise was established by Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. It was founded to replace the Civil Order of Alfonso XII, which was abolished during the Second Spanish Republic. It is awarded to citizens, either Spanish or foreign, in recognition of meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching. It is conferred upon women and men without differences between their awards.