Spain, Kingdom. A Civil Order Of Alfonso Xiii In Gold & Diamonds, Grand Cross, C.1920

(Orden Civil de Alfonso XIII). Instituted in 1902 by King Alfonso XIII of Spain. 1902-1939 issue. Of high quality manufacture, an extraordinary and highly desirable Grand Cross badge in 18kt Gold, consisting of a four-armed cross with gold-framed and purple enamels, featuring three delicate enamelled purple rays in each quadrant, obverse centre embellished by a superposed hand chiseled silver eagle on an hand-filled background in genuine Diamonds, surrounded by hand-filled Latin lettering AXII ALTIORA PETO (I Aspire to the Highest) in genuine cut Diamonds of different sizes, also surrounded by superposed palm branch and a green-enamelled laurel branch both in Gold, with a nicely enamelled red Alfonso’s XIII crown on the 12 o’clock arm, and a finely enamelled Spanish Coat of Arms on the 6 o’clock arm, with plain reverse, measuring 55.44 mm (w) x 66.41 mm (h - inclusive integral ring), weighting 32.2 grams, suspended by ornamented stained loop suspension, light contact, accompanied by original full-length purple ribbon with bow, a scarce item near to mint.

Footnote: Instituted in 1902 by King Alfonso XIII of Spain, the Order of Alfonso XIII was awarded to Spanish and foreign citizens in recognition of meritorious services rendered to Spain and the humankind within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching. The Order was abolished in 1931 by the second Spanish Republic, and replaced later by the Order of Alfonso X the Wise; due to its short lifespan, the Order is highly scarce.