Spain, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, White Division, II Class Cross, by B. Castells, c.1915

(Orden al Mérito Militar). Instituted 1864 by Queen Isabel II of Spain. Alfonso XIII (1902-1931) issue. Type I. White Division. An eight-pointed star consisting of delicate cut silver rays, with obverse centre featuring an enameled white cross of four equal arms in bronze gilt, alternating bronze-gilded lions and castles in each quadrant, with superposed enameled white, blue and red typical of time period Spanish coat of arms also in bronze gilt, 12 o'clock arm depicting a Spanish Royal Crown and a clasp both in bronze gilt, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, featuring Spanish maker’s cartouche “Castells Barcelona”, measuring 84.17 mm (w) x 83.29 mm (h), presenting bronze oxidation on the centrepiece, with minor toned silver, very good.

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. The White Division is awarded in recognition of meritorious service during peacetime.