Spain, Fascist State. An Order of Cisneros, I Class Grand Cross, c.1950

(Orden de Cisneros). Instituted in 1944. Sash Badge: two-piece construction, eagle insignia in bronze gilt with red, orange and black enamels, mounted to a four-armed cross in bronze gilt with red enamels, ball finials on all four points on the cross, crossed arrows in each quadrant, plain reverse, measuring 53.7 mm (w) x 59.8 (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, on a period sash that incorporates a decorative moiré pattern and a 35 mm long wire fringe; and Breast Star: two-piece construction, eagle insignia in bronze gilt with red, orange and black enamels, mounted to a four-armed cross in bronze gilt with red enamels, ball finials on all four points on the cross, crossed arrows in each quadrant, plain reverse, measuring 72.5 mm (w) x 71.5 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays. Intact enamels, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Cisneros was instituted in Spain by General Francisco Franco on March 8, 1944. It was created after the end of the Spanish Civil War to reward those who served Franco during the war, and collaborated on the establishment of the new government. This Order is the civil Order that has been awarded the most among Spanish citizens. No awards have been awarded since 1977, when the Order was unofficially extinct.