Spain, Franco’s Period. A Miniature Order of Isabella the Catholic, Grand Cross Star, c.1950

(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted 1815 by King Ferdinand VII. Franco’s government issue. A miniature ball-tipped enameled red Maltese Cross in silver gilt, featuring sets of multiple gilt rays in each quadrant, obverse exhibiting a handmade badge of the order surrounded by an enameled green and white laurel wreath, surmounting by an enameled Imperial crown, the reverse with buttonhole for attachment, hallmarked by a Spanish hallmark denoting silver fineness of .915 since 1934, marked by post code of Madrid 55M, measuring 19.62 (w) x 19.60 mm (h), presenting minor toned silver, good.

Footnote: The Order of Isabella the Catholic was instituted in Spain as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic by royal decree of King Fernando VII/Ferdinand VII on March 24, 1815. The name of the Order was modified by decree of April 15, 1889 when the Spanish Crown abandoned its intentions of ruling Latin America and overseas.