Spain, Facist State. An Order Of Merit For Agriculture, Commander, C.1950

(Orden al Mérito Agrario). Instituted 1905 by King Alfonso XIII. Type II (1942-1975) In silver gilt with red, white, light green and dark green enamels, centrepiece illustrating a woman plowing the field, encircled within a white enamelled ring inscribed "MERITO AGRICOLA" (Agricultural Merit), with signs of the zodiac on the perimeter ring, the Spanish coat-of-arms at the base, surmounted by the Franco crown, measuring 60 mm (w) x 63.7 mm (h), scattered gilt wear, intact enamels, residue evident in the recessed areas from cleaning, on its original full-length neck ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Agricultural Merit was founded in Spain by King Alfonso XIII on December 1, 1905. It was awarded in recognition of those who had encouraged the agricultural practices in Spain. The Order was annulled by the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, and it was reinstated by General Francisco Franco on October 14, 1942. The Order was re-instituted as the Order of Agrarian, Fishery and Alimentary Merit on February 27, 1987.