Spain, Franco Period. A Civil Order Of Alfonso X The Wise, Commander C.1950

(Orden Civil de Alfonso X El Sabio). Instituted on April 11, 1939 by Francisco Franco. 1939-1975 issue. An enameled red four-armed cross with trefoil-ended in silver gilt, obverse centre superposing by a front-facing crowned figure of Alfonso X the Wise with typically enameled red and white clothing, holding an eagle and an orb with above crown in each arm, on a blue-enamelling background, surrounded by an enameled white border inscribed ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), the reverse centre with partially enameled red and black eagle with surmounted etched Latin inscription ALTIORA PETO (I seek higher things), measuring 57.76 mm (w) x 61.63 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), presenting light contact, on a loop suspension and original neck ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise was established by Francisco Franco on April 11, 1939. It was founded to replace the Civil Order of Alfonso XII, which was abolished in 1933 during the government of the Second Spanish Republic. Currently, it is awarded either Spanish or foreign citizens in recognition of meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching.