Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Civil Merit In Gold, Grand Cross, By Villanueva & Laiseca, 1973

(Orden al Mérito Civil). Established by King Alfonso XII on June 25, 1926. 1940-1975 issued. An impressive Grand Cross set in 18kt Gold, awarded to D. Carlos Luis Pedroso y Frost in 1973 for his services as a Spanish ambassador to the Republic of Zaire (1971-1977, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo) between 1973-1975. The set consists of:

A detailed four-armed cross in 18kt Gold, with arms consisting of delicate hand-chased rays, the cross is superimposed by a finely enameled blue white-framed Anchor cross also in Gold, with centre exhibiting a superimposed symbol of Civil Merit, on a detailed faceted background, the figure is surrounded by the inscription AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), on an enameled blue border, 12 o’clock arm features a period Spanish crown with fine enameled details, surmounted by an enameled green laurel wreath, as well as by ornamented ring suspension, the reverse is plain, measuring 49.33 mm (w) x 75.16 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), weighting 37.5 grams, presenting light contact, suspended by a full-length original sash ribbon with bow and frayed ends, near mint condition. Together with the breast star also in 18kt Gold, consisting of a highly detailed eight-armed cross with multirayed faceted arms, superimposed by a delicate enameled blue white-framed Anchor cross also in Gold, surmounted by a partially enameled period Spanish crown, the obverse centre featuring a superposed symbol of Civil Merit, on a detailed faceted background, encircled by an enameled blue-white border inscribed AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), the reverse with ornamented pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 72.70 mm (w) x 75.65 mm (h), weighting 87.6 grams, light contact, near mint condition. The set is completed by a miniature of the Order in silver gilt and enamel, with reverse with button hole for attachment, measuring 20.12 mm (w) x 20.14 mm (h), marked by Spanish hallmark denoting silver content of. 915, along with a period maker’s mark of Villanueva & Laiseca, with toned silver, very good condition. Together with a rosette ribbon for attachment on the button.

The set is contained within a hard-shelled red case in wood, the lid exterior featuring a plate in solid silver, featuring the inscription AL EXCMO. SR. D. CARLOS LUIS PEDROSO Y FROST SUS COMPAÑEROS Y COLABORADORES DE LA EMBAJADA DE ESPAÑA EN LA REPÚBLICA DEL ZAIRE KINSHASA, OCTUBRE 1973, interior lid with an elegant black silk inscribed by a jewelry label mark of Villanueva y Laiseca, Madrid, in gilded lettering, with recessed medal bed in black cotton, with its interior bottom made of black synthetic leather, measuring 195 mm (w) x 82 mm (h) x 294 mm (l), with functional slider and catch, light contact, extremely fine condition. Finally, the set is accompanied by the Spanish Gazette (BOE) No. 171, dated July 18, 1973 where it was published by decree 1650/1973 that D. Carlos Luis Pedroso y Frost was awarded with the Order of Civil Merit in the Grand Cross grade.

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit was established by King Alfonso XIII on June 25, 1926. It was abolished by the Second Spanish Republic in 1933, but reinstated by General Francisco Franco in 1942. It is still conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens who have displayed civil virtue and meritorious actions that served to the interests of Spanish culture.