Spain, Franco Period. A Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise, Grand Cross, c.1940

(Orden Civil de Alfonso X El Sabio). Established by General Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. 1939-present issue. The badge of the order consisting of an enameled red four-armed cross with opened Fleur-de-lis ends in silver gilt, with obverse centre featuring a figure of Alfonso X the Wise in multi-colored enamels, superimposing on a enameled blue background, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon) inscribed on an enameled white border, the reverse depicting typical of time period Spanish eagle in red, yellow, and blue enamels, along with the engraved Latin motto ALTIORA PETO (My Highest Objective), measuring 55.39 mm (w) x 59.67 mm (h - inclusive of the integral ring), weighing 36.8 grams, presenting contact, on period sash ribbon with bow; Accompanied by the star of the order consisting of a red four-armed cross with Fleur-de-lis ends in silver gilt the obverse featuring a figure of Alphonso X the Wise in enamels, superimposing on a re-enameled blue background, bordered by an enameled white ring with the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON in gilt lettering, the reverse with typical ornamented pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 79.21 mm (w) x 79.73 mm (h), weighing 57.9 grams, fine as a set.