Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Charles III, Knight, c.1900

(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted in 1771. In silver gilt and enamels, a Maltese cross in blue and white enamel, with fleur de lys in each quadrant, surmounted by a wreath, the obverse centerpiece bearing a distinctive iconography of the Immaculate Conception, the reverse bearing the Royal monogram of Charles III, surrounded by a white enamelled ring with the motto VIRTUTI ET MERITO, measures 38 mm (w) x 58.9 mm (h - inclusive of wreath and horizontally pierced ball suspension), weighs 19.64 grams, marked with a boars head denoting French manufacturer post 1838, worn on the original ribbon, gilt wear on silver, enamels loss to central medallion, in extremely fine condition.