Spain, Kingdom. A Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III, Grand Cross in Gold, c. 1880

(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted September 19, 1771 by King Charles III. Grand cross in 18Kt. Gold, presenting a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials and detailed Gold borders, with a smaller blue enamelled Maltese cross in each arm, a fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a superimposed hand-painted standing figure of the virgin Mary standing on a cloud in white enamel with a blue enamelled wrap detailed with tiny gold stars, on a gold field with etched rays and a blue enamelled oval border, the reverse medallion presents the cypher of Charles III on a blue enamelled field, surrounded by a white enamelled ring inscribed VIRTUTI ET MERITO (Virtue and Merit), the cross is surmounted by a laurel wreath in matted gold with a blue bow at 6 o’clock, measures 41.5 mm (w) x 63.6 mm (h – inclusive of wreath and integral suspension), weighs 20.41 grams, very small chip to the to of the virgin Mary’s head, enamel replacement to a small section of the reverse 12 o’clock arm, remains in extremely fine condition.