Spain, Franco Period. A Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise, Commander Set

(Orden Civil de Alfonso X El Sabio). Instituted in 1939. A very fine Commander set; the badge consisting of a finely enameled red four-armed cross with opened Fleur-de-lis ends in silver gilt, with obverse center featuring a hand-made figure of Alfonso X the Wise in multi-colored enamels, superimposing on a nicely enameled blue background, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN (Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), inscribed on an enameled white border, the reverse depicting typical of time period Spanish eagle in red, yellow, and blue enamels, along with the engraved Latin motto ALTIORA PETO (My Highest Objective), measuring 61.2 mm (h) x 56.3 mm (w), on original neck ribbon, enamels intact, extremely fine condition; the breast star, consisting of a red four-armed cross with Fleur-de-lis ends, red enamel arms, the obverse featuring a detailed hand-made figure of Alphonso X the Wise, superimposing on a pleasant enameled blue background, bordered by an enameled white ring with the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN in gilt lettering, the reverse with typical ornamented pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 78.2 mm, enamels intact, extremely fine condition. Housed in a red case of Spanish make, denoted by Cejalvo MADRD maker mark on the lid, measures 120 mm (w) x 223 mm (l) x 40mm (d), fine condition. 

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 during the Second Spanish Republic. It is awarded to citizens, either Spanish or foreign, in recognition of meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and research. It is conferred upon women and men without differences between their awards.