Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945

(Orden del Merito Social Penitenciario). Instituted May 1 1944 by Francisco Franco. In silver gilt, the decoration consists of an eight point star with clusters of smooth rays, the obverse bears a large superimposed blue enamelled cross, with the central medallion presenting the Virgin of Mercy in enamels, surrounded by a dark blue ring inscribed MATER CAPTIVORUM (Mother of Captives), the reverse is plain with three rivets, the badge is suspended by an ornate crown with red and green synthetic stones and red enamel in the internal band, measuring 51.38 mm (w) x 68.30 mm (h – inclusive of crown and integral ball), weighs 94.17 grams (including collar), the badge is worn on an affixed collar consisting of 17 alternating red and blue enamelled rounded rectangular shapes, with three chain links between each link, the reverse of each link is plain, measuring 360 mm from the central link to the furthest link (roughly 740 mm in its entirety), light enamel wear, minor contact, both pieces in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Penitentiary Social Merit (Orden del Merito Social Penitenciario) was instituted in Spain by the government of General Francisco Franco on May 1, 1944. It was awarded to the members of the Spanish Prison Corps, in recognition of meritorious service and relevant activities in collaboration with the Spanish penitentiary administration. This Order is also known as the Prison Service Order. It was conferred for a short period from 1944 to 1948.