Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Charles III, Royal & Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III, IV Class Commander in Gold

(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted in 1771. Multi-piece construction, in 18K Gold with light blue, dark blue and white enamels, weighing 34.1 grams, measuring 45.7 mm (w) x 71 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and integral suspension, chipping and loss evident in the yellow enamels on the obverse centrepiece, fine chipping in the white enamels on the reverse centrepiece ring, the reverse centrepiece has been re-enamelled in light blue and not dark blue enamels although the light blue enamels exhibit wear spots where it has come away from the Gold base, replacement French-made loop in silver gilt and triple hallmarked, original full-length neck ribbon, fine.

Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III, originally Royal and Much Distinguished Order of Charles III was established by the King of Spain Carlos III by means of the Royal Decree of September 19, 1771, with the motto "Virtuti et mérito". Its objective is to reward people for their actions in benefit to Spain and the Crown. Since its creation, and second to the Order of the Golden Fleece, it has been the most distinguished civil award that can be granted in Spain, despite its categorization as a military order. It is awarded in five grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Commander by Number, Commander and Knight.