Spain, Fascist State. An Order of St. Hermenegildo, Commander's Star, c.1965

(Orden Militar de San Hermengildo). Instituted 1814 by King Ferdinand VII of Spain. In silver gilt with red, green, light blue and white enamels, unmarked, measuring 61 mm (w) x 61 mm (h), ornate vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of St. Hermenegildo (Real y Militar Orden de San Hermenegildo) was established by King Fernando VII/Ferdinand VII on November 28, 1814, after the end of the Peninsular War. It was founded in recognition of Spanish and foreign military personnel who defeated the Napoleonic army, after four year of conflict, and reconstituted Ferdinand's VII reign. It is the first Spanish military Order awarded for length of services.