Spain, Franco Period. A Royal and Military Order of St. Hermenegildo, Commander by Number Breast Star c.1940

(Real y Militar Orden de San Hermenegildo). Instituted 1814 by King Ferdinand VII. Franco Period issue. A ball-tipped four armed cross in bronze gilt, embellishing by detailed ornament leaves in each arm, presenting clusters of seven beaded silver rays in each quadrant, with obverse centre exhibiting a superposed figure of St. Hermenegildo on a blue enameled background, surrounded by a white enameled border inscribed PREMIO A LA CONSTANCIA MILITAR (Award to the Military Constancy), circumscribed on a green enameled laurel wreath, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 74.03 mm (w) x 73.50 mm (h), light contact, extremely fine.

Footnote: One of the oldest European orders still awarded, the Royal and Military Order of St. Hermenegildo was founded on November 28, 1814, after the end of the Peninsular War. It was established in recognition of the military personnel who finally defeated the French army of Napoleon in Spain, and reconstituted the reign of Ferdinand VII. The Order is currently awarded in recognition of length of service to the Crown, with an unbroken record of exemplary behavior in the performance of their duties.