Spain, Kingdom. A Fine Cased Order of Charles III., Grand Cross Set, by M.Cejalvo

(Real Orden de Carlos III). Instituted September 19th, 1771. Type III. A superb cased Order of Carlos III, Grand Cross Set, Type III, consisting of:

1. A fine quality Spanish jeweler-made example of an extremely well preserved Order of Carlos III Grand Cross breast star, a Maltese Cross with multi-faceted surfaces and ball finials constructed of silver with equally multi-faceted fleur-de-lis in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central oval medallion filled with off-white enamels, surrounded by a blue ring of enamels, presenting the Virgin Mary in delicate and fine quality enamels standing on a bed of silver gilded clouds, inscribed “Virtuti et Merito” (Virtue and Merit) in capitalized Latin within a white enameled cross, featuring a small green enameled silver gilt laurel wreath with a central “III” in black enamels, the reverse is plain with a functional vertical pinback and two downward-facing stabilizer pins for secure attachment to a uniform, unmarked, measuring 77.3 mm (w) x 81.6 mm (l), weighing 71.17 grams, with the enamels extremely well preserved, in better than extremely fine condition

2. A fine craftsmanship Order of Carlos III Grand Cross sash badge, a silver gilt Maltese Cross with white and blue enameled arms along with dual ball finials, with gilt Fleur-de-lis in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a delicate, hand-painted, and fully enameled image of the Virgin Mary standing on a bed of enameled clouds and surrounded by a blue ring of enamels, the reverse bearing a central blue enameled medallion bearing the Royal Cypher of Carlos III, surrounded by a white ring of enamels inscribed “Virtuti et Merito” (Virtue and Merit) in capitalized Latin, suspended from a swivel laurel wreath and swivel ring from its period original and full-size sash ribbon, unmarked, measuring 41.2 mm (w) x 42.3 mm (l), weighing 26.44 grams, with light loss of the gilt finish due to age and wear, in near extremely fine condition. 

Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a lightly textured turquoise faux leather (leatherette) exterior, the exterior of the lid is embossed with the Coat of Arms of Carlos III in gilt, with dual functional exterior metal hinges, a torn interior fabric hinge cover, and a functional push-button closure, measuring 138 mm (w) x 277 mm (l).