Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Agricultural Merit, Grand Commander’s Star C.1940

(Orden al Mérito Agrario). Instituted 1905 by King Alfonso XIII. 1939-1975 Issue. Consisting of an enameled green eight-pointed multi-rayed star in silver, the obverse features a woman plowing the field in silver with patination, encircled within an enameled white ring inscribed MERITO AGRICOLA (Agricultural Merit) in silver gilt, with an outsider ring depicting a necklace linked by Zodiac signs also in silver patina, the base with a period Spanish coat of arms in silver gilt and enamel, surmounted by a period imperial crown also in silver gilt, the reverse with typical Spanish centre pin and dual stays, measuring 70.10 (w) x 69.72 mm (h), presenting light contact, 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.