Mexico, II Empire. An Order of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Civil Division, III Class Knight, c.1865

(Orden de Guadalupe). Instituted in 1821. Type III. 1863-1867 issue. Civil Division. Constructed of silver gilt, a ball-tipped four armed cross with finely applique in red, white, and green enamels, featuring multiple rays in each quadrant, surrounded by a tied laurel and oak branches, obverse centre depicting an enamelled Our Lady of Guadalupe with hand painted details in Gold, circumscribed by the inscription RELIGION INDEPENDENCIA UNION (Religion, Independence, and Unity), reverse centre inscribed AL MERITO Y VIRTUDES (To Merit, and Virtues), denoting civil merit, with characteristic eagle suspension with an crowned eagle clutching a snake in talons, measuring 34.92 mm (w) x 58.90 mm (h - inclusive of eagle suspension and integral ring suspension), with gilt loss and cracked enamels, on original ribbon, fine. 

 

Footnote: The Order of Guadalupe (La Orden de Guadalupe) was originally established in Mexico as the Imperial Order of Guadalupe by Agustín de Iturbide at the end of the year 1821, and it was regulated by decree of February 20, 1822. The Order was founded as commemoration of the independence of Mexico from the Spanish rule on September 27, 1821. The Order was founded as the Order of Guadalupe by the Second Empire of Mexico on July 1, 1863, and it was confirmed by Maximilian I on April 10, 1865. The Order was awarded to civilians, and military personnel, in recognition of the extraordinary services rendered to the Empire.