Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Military Merit, White Distinction, 3rd Class Cross

(Orden del Mérito Militar) Instituted 1864. Franco Period (1938-1975). Type I, White Distinction. An eight-pointed star in silver gilt, with obverse centre featuring white-enamelled cross of four equal arms in silver gilt, with superposed red-enamelled national coat of arms also in silver-gilt, surmounted a Royal Spanish Crown and clasp both also in silver gilt, with alternating silver  lions and castles in each quadrant, reverse with decorative flat pin assembly with dual stays, measuring 70.03 mm (w) x 69.35 mm (h), with slightly detached crown and clasp, near to mint.  

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was created by Queen Isabel II by a royal decree of 3rd August, 1864. It was founded to reward individual acts of distinction and bravery or acts of significant service and merit by members of the Armed forces and Civil Guard.