Spain, Kingdom. A Royal And Military Order Of Alcantara, Knight C.1940

(Real y Militar Orden de Alcántara). Instituted in 1176 by Ferdinand II, King of Leon and Galicia. WWII period issue. A very rare rounded Knight’s badge in silver gilt, with obverse centre displaying an embossed enameled green Mary Cross, with plain reverse, measuring 31.31 mm (w) x 34.77 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), with lost of gilt and minor fade green enamels, suspending of original breast ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: One of the oldest orders in Europe, instituted in 1176 by Ferdinand II, King of Leon and Galicia, the Order of Alcantara was granted to Knights who protected the territory against Moor invasions, and who were subject to the rules and precepts of the Order of Calatrava. It is currently awarded as a honorific, religious, and nobiliary order within Spain, with extremely selective criteria for admission, due the Knights are mainly members of European royal families.