Spain, Kingdom. An Order Of Agricultural Merit, Grand Cross, C. 1935

(Orden al Mérito Agrario). Instituted 1905 by King Alfonso XIII. A Grand Cross complete with case, the Sash Badge in silver gilt featuring a central female figure plowing a field, surrounded by a white enamel crescent shaped ring inscribed MERITO AGRICOLA, with delicate floral and fauna surrounding the ring topped with a crown at 12 o’clock and a Spanish coat of arms in white and red enamels at 6 o’clock, the medallion sits on an eight point star of green enamelled rays, the reverse is plain with 6 rivets to affix medallion, crown and shield to the obverse, measures 58.8mm (w) x 62.4mm (h – inclusive of integral ball), worn on a full length green sash, enamels intact, lovely patina, in extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the Grand Cross Star, in silver gilt featuring a central female figure plowing a field, surrounded by a white enamel crescent shaped ring inscribed MERITO AGRICOLA, with delicate floral and fauna surrounding the ring topped with a crown at 12 o’clock and a Spanish coat of arms in white and red enamels at 6 o’clock, the medallion sits on an eight point star of green enamelled rays, the reverse presents a vertical pin assembly with dual stays, the pin has delicate etchings, the base of the star has six rivets to affix the medallion, crown and shield to the obverse, and there are two silver hallmarks denoting Madrid manufacture, measures 70.6mm (w) x 71.1mm (h), weighs 70.9 grams, the coat of arms at 6 o’clock is loose, enamels intact, hinge and catch functional, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in the case of issue, featuring a green exterior with impressed details around the edge, the interior lid in white silk with the makers mark Efactor militarar y civiler ESABLECIMIENTOS FLANDEZ S.L MAYORS MADRID, the base in black velvet offers a slot for the Star’s pin, with a partially removeable medalbed for the badge and storage compartment for the sash, measures 145mm (w) x 275mm (h) x 55mm (d), a few small knocks to exterior, hinge and clasp functional, in very fine condition.