Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Military Merit, White Division, II Class Star, c.1940

(Orden al Mérito Militar). Instituted 1864 by Queen Isabel II of Spain. Francisco Franco (1940-1975) issue. Type I. White Division. A faceted eight-pointed star in silvered bronze, with obverse featuring a centrepiece in bronze gilt consisting of an enameled white four-armed cross, with alternating Spanish castles and lions in each quadrant also in bronze gilt, superposed by an enameled red, white, and blue time of period Spanish coat of arms, beneath of a clasp and an Imperial crown, reverse with ornament pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 60.78 mm (w) x 61.65 mm (h), presenting stained enamels and minor lost of silver cover, fine.

Footnote: The Order was created by Queen Isabella II in 1864, to be awarded for military merit. The cross is in white enamel in times of peace, and in red enamel in times of war.