Spain, Franco Period. An Order Of Civil Merit, Grand Cross Set, By Cejalvo, C.1950

(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted 1926 by King Alfonso XII of Spain; re-instituted 1942 by General Francisco Franco. Franco’s issue. Of Spanish manufacture, a sash badge consisting of a multiple-rayed four armed cross in silver gilt, superposing by an enameled blue white-bordered Saltire cross inscribed AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), surmounting by period Imperial Spanish crown also in silver gilt, with plain reverse, suspending by an enameled green laurel wreath, measuring 48.70 mm (w) x 72.44 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath), presenting tarnished silver and slightly faded enamels, on a full-length original blue and white ribbon with bow, extremely fine.

Accompanied by the star of the Order, a multiple-rayed eight-pointed star in faceted silver gilt, the obverse superposing by an enameled blue white-bordered Saltire Cross, with central inscription standing AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), surmounting by a detailed typical of period Imperial Spanish crown also in silver gilt, the reverse with central pin assembly and two stays, measuring 74.19 mm (w) x 76.19 mm (h), presenting slightly toned silver, otherwise near to mint.

Together with a hardshelled corrugated blue case of issue, featuring golden ornamented details on lid, together with an attached Franco’s period Spanish coat of arms etching on a circular gilt central medallion, interior lid on white cotton with maker’s label of Mariano Cejalvo, Madrid, Cruz 50, with slotted blue wool bed medal, measuring 123 mm (w) x 67 mm (h) x 249 mm (l), with functional catch and clasp, presenting slightly wearing surfaces on the bottom, overall near to mint.

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit was established by King Alfonso XII/Alphonso XII on June 25, 1926. It was abolished by the Second Spanish Republic in 1933, but reinstated by General Francisco Franco in 1942. It is conferred upon those either Spanish or foreign citizens who has displayed civil virtue and meritorious actions that served to the interests of Spanish culture. The original grades were Grand Cross, Commander by Number, Knight and Silver Cross. The Collar was added in 1957, and the Officer in 1942. All grades added versions for women during the 1998 regulations, with slightly smaller size than the versions awarded to men.