Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, Cross with White Distinction in Gold, c.1865

(Orden del Mérito Militar). Instituted in 1864. Type I with Monogram of Queen Isabella II (1864-1868). In 18K Gold with red, white, green and blue enamels, weighing 19.5 grams inclusive of its ribbon and hanger, the white cross indicative of peacetime merit, the obverse centerpiece bearing the Bourbon shield, the reverse centrepiece with the Royal monogram of Queen Isabella II, measuring 39 mm (w) x 58.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, chipping and loss evident in the white enamels on the reverse of the arm at 9 o'clock, original peacetime ribbon, suspended from a traditional horizontal hanger with pinback, fine.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was instituted on August 3, 1864 by Queen Isabel II, revised in 1931, 1936, 1942, 1970, 1977, 1995 and 2003. It is awarded for acts of bravery, distinction, service or merit by members of the Armed Forces, or civilians in support of the military, in two grades: Grand Cross and Cross, in four Divisions: Red, Blue, Yellow, and White.