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

(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted in 1926. Type II (1942-1975). In silver with blue, white, red and green enamels, the Franco crown surmounting the insignia of the order, both of which are mounted to a cross base, with three faceted rays on the arms at 6 and 12 o'clock and five faceted rays on the arms at 3 and 9 o'clock, measuring 51 mm (w) x 76 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath and laterally-pierced ball suspension, chipping evident in the blue enamels on the oval centrepiece ring to the right of "CIVIL", otherwise the enamels are intact, on its original full-length neck ribbon, better than very 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 six grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Commander by Number, Commander, Officer, Knight, plus a Silver Cross.