Spain. An Industrial Award For Merit, Breast Badge In Gold And Diamonds, C. 1940

Instituted 1926 by General Primo de Rivera. An oval badge in silver, obverse center applique in Gold and enamels presenting a Franco black enamelled eagle with the traditional escutcheon and the small Gold banner inscribed UNA GRANDE LIBRE, on a textured grey enamelled background surrounded by a ring of 35 old cut Diamonds, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed AL MERITO EN EL TRABAJO (Merit at Work), the exterior layer presents a hand etched oak leaf wreath, the reverse presents a sold silver plate displaying symbols surrounded by the inscription DECRETO DE 14 DE MARZO DE 1942 (Decree of march 14, 1942), suspended from an ornate Gold scroll and bar, obverse being layered in silver with 10 old cut Diamonds, measures 37.05mm (w) x 56.31mm (h – inclusive of Gold suspension bars), weighs 57.6 grams (including ribbon), worn on original blue ribbon with Gold brooch style pin, enamels intact, an extremely fine and rare award.

Footnote: The award was created in 1926 by the government headed by General Primo de Rivera, suppressed during the Republic and restored and amended in 1942.