Spain, Kingdom. An Order of St. Charles III, Commander, c.1900

(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted by King Charles III on September 19, 1771. A lovely decoration, in silver gilt, presenting a blue and white enamel Maltese cross with ball finials, a Fleur de Lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presenting a superimposed hand painted image of the Virgin Mary, the reverse presents the cypher of Charles III surrounded by a white ring inscribed VIRTUTI ET MERITO, the badge is surmounted by a gilt wreath, measures 56.3 mm (w) x 81.8 mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension and integral ring), weighs 30.57 grams,  worn on a correct replacement neck ribbon of blue and white silk with a button snap on each end, enamel cracks in the obverse 9 o’clock arm, small chip in the 3 o’clock reverse arm, light gilt wear,  remains in near extremely fine condition.