Spain, Facist State. An Order of Civil Merit, Commander, c.1945

(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted in 1926. Type II (1942-1975). The base featuring the insignia badge in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, the Franco crown in Gold and bearing five genuine diamonds, along with three red and two green gems and an elongated red gem representing the opening, the wreath suspension in Gold with green enamels, the loop in Gold with four genuine diamonds, measuring 50 mm (w) x 88.8 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and loop suspension, intact enamels, very light contact on the reverse of the badge itself, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit was instituted on June 25, 1926 and awarded to Spanish government employees for meritorious service, and to Spaniards and foreigners for extraordinary services to the nation, in the following grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Commander by Number, Commander, Officer, Knight, along with a Silver Cross.