Spain, Kingdom. An Order Of Civil Merit, Collar And Badge, C.1965

(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted June 25, 1926 by King Alfonso XII. Collar instituted 1957. In silver gilt, a collar comprising nine links, five of which are oval shaped bearing a female figure surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed AL MERITO CIVIL, with an exterior gilt wreath, the reverse of each of these links is plain, these alternate with four blue enamelled cross links with superimposed green enamelled wreaths, the reverse of each of these links is plain with four large rivets for the wreath’s connection, the links are connected by a string of clover shaped rings, the central badge features a blue enamelled cross with lightly faceted rays in each quadrant, segments of a green enamelled wreath in three quadrants, and a crown at 12 o’clock between the arms, the obverse medallion features the female figure surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed AL MERITO CIVIL, suspended from the silver crowned Spanish coat of arms with red, blue, white, and green enamels, the reverse is plain, the badge measures 56.1mm (w) x 91.05mm (h – inclusive of surmounting coat of arms), the collar in its entirety weighs 282.4 grams, all enamels intact, reverse plate on medallion has been reattached, a scarce decoration in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a lapel pin of the order in silver gilt and multicolour enamels, hollow ring on reverse for buttonhole wear, measures 19.2mm (w) x 20.0mm (h), in extremely fine condition.