Spain, Kingdom. A Royal Order Of Spain, Iii Class Knight, C.1900

(Real Orden de España/Ordre Royal d'Espagne). Instituted in 1808. Three-piece construction, in bronze gilt with red and blue enamels, measuring 34 mm (w) x 32.5 mm (h), the red enamels with chipping evident on the star point at 7 o'clock and repair at 12 o'clock, the blue enamels on the centrepiece ring intact, replacement ribbon, better than fine.

Footnote: The Royal Order of Spain was instituted in Vitoria, Spain by Joseph Bonaparte in 1808, to reward those who had served the Napoleonic cause in Spain. It was originally founded as a military order, however it was extended as a civil reward in 1809, that recognized either Spanish or foreign citizens for loyalty to the cause. The Order was abolished by Ferdinand VII in 1814, once he returned to the Spanish throne. It was banned in France by Louis XVIII the same year. However, it was conferred by Bonaparte until his death in 1844. There were three grades: I Class Grand Cross, II Class Commander, and III Class Knight. Officially, the Order was conferred 220 times (inclusive of all grades). However, it may have been awarded on more occasions.