Spain, Kingdom. A Civil Order Of Alfonso XIII, Grand Cross Star, c.1925

(Orden Civil de Alfonso XIII). Instituted in 1902 by King Alfonso XIII of Spain. 1902-1939 issue. Of high quality manufacture, consisting of a four-armed cross in silver gilt and purple enamels, featuring three delicate enamelled purple rays in each quadrant, obverse centre embellished by a superposed hand chiseled silver eagle on a gilt background, surrounded by Latin lettering AXII ALTIORA PETO (I Aspire to the Highest), also surrounded by superposed palm branch and a green-enamelled laurel branch, with a nicely enamelled red Alfonso’s XIII crown on the 12 o’clock arm, and a finely enamelled Spanish Coat of Arms on the 6 o’clock arm featuring Gold symbology, with plain reverse with pin assembly and 2 stays, measuring 86.6 mm (w) x  86.6 mm, weighting 81.41 grams, light contact, dark toning to silver, extremely fine. 
 
Footnote: Instituted in 1902 by King Alfonso XIII of Spain, the Order of Alfonso XIII was awarded to Spanish and foreign citizens in recognition of meritorious services rendered to Spain and the humankind within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching. The Order was abolished in 1931 by the second Spanish Republic, and replaced later by the Order of Alfonso X the Wise; due to its short lifespan, the Order is highly scarce.