Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Civil Merit, Grand Cross Set, in Case, c.1968

(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted in 1926. A Grand Cross, in silver gilt, a four point star with faceted rays, the obverse is superposed by a blue-enamelled white-edged four-armed cross also in silver gilt, featuring the central inscription AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), a period Imperial crown sits on the 12 o’clock arm, surmounted by a green enamelled wreath, the reverse is plain, measures 49.4 mm (w) x 75.6 mm (h), worn on a full length original sash of blue and white silk, enamels cracks and flakes on the cross, in extremely fine condition.  

The breast star, in silver gilt, a multirayed eight-pointed star with beaded arms, the obverse is superposed by a blue-enamelled white-edged four-armed cross also in silver gilt, featuring the central inscription AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), the cross is surmounted by a period Imperial crown also in silver gilt, the reverse with principal pin, measuring at 723.3 mm (w) x 75.5 mm (h) and weighing in at 80.22 grams, enamels cracked and chipped on cross, very fine.

In a case of issue, a red leatherette case, exterior with silvered plaque engraved EXCMO. SR. DON PEDRO REUS PUJADAS 1968, interior silk lid marked Villaneuva if JOYEROS Luiseca MADRID, with replacement black suede medal bed in the base, measures 19 cm (w) x 29 cm (h) x 7.5 cm (d), wear to edges and corners, functional clasp and hinge, very fine.