Spain, Kingdom. A Royal Order of Noble Dames of Queen Maria Luisa, in Gold, c.1880

(Orden de las Damas Nobles de la Reina María Luisa). Instituted 1792. Of superb manufacture, a finely enamelled white Maltese cross with Gold borders and a delicately enamelled purple frame in 18K Gold, each quadrant featuring alternating hand-carved lions and castles in Gold connected by a thin chain, obverse centre medallion in white, purple and black enamels set in Gold, superimposed elaborate hand-painted figure of Saint Ferdinand, reverse with enamelled white and brown central medallion depicting the cypher of Maria Luisa surrounding by the inscription “R’ Orden De La Reina Maria Luisa” (Royal Order of Queen Maria Luisa), surmounted by Spanish style laurel wreath also in Gold, measuring 44.78 mm (w) x 66.59 mm (h - inclusive laurel wreath suspension), weighing approximately 30.39 grams without the ribbon, worn on original full length ladies sash, enamels intact, a beautiful decoration in better than extremely fine.