(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted in 1771. In finely toned silver with oval centrepieces in Gold with blue enamels, mounted to a cross and wreath base in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, hand chiseled laurels on the wreath, measuring 49.7 mm (w) x 72 mm (h), intact enamels, original neck ribbon incorporating a decorative moiré pattern, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, wooden-framed, blue papered exterior, marked in gold-coloured ink with the Spanish Royal coat-of-arms on the lid, the inside lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "CEVALJO Y GARCIA MADRID", raised platform with a medal bed in off-white felt, push release, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, blue ink mark on the inside lid, case very fine.
Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III, originally Royal and Much Distinguished Order of Charles III was established by the King of Spain Carlos III by means of the Royal Decree of September 19, 1771, with the motto "Virtuti et mérito". Its objective is to reward people for their actions in benefit to Spain and the Crown. Since its creation, and second to the Order of the Golden Fleece, it has been the most distinguished civil award that can be granted in Spain, despite its categorization as a military order. It is awarded in five grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Commander by Number, Commander and Knight.