Spain, Francoist State. An Order of Isabella the Catholic, Breast Star, c.1950

(Orden de Isabel la Católica, Caballero). Instituted in 1815. Type IV (Franco Era, 1938-1975). In bronze gilt with red, white, blue, yellow, brown and green enamels, cypher "FY" (Francisco Franco) on the wreath of the centrepiece, measuring 81.5 mm (w) x 83.3 mm (h), ornate vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, intact enamels, spotting evident on the obverse, light contact on the reverse, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order in which membership is granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. The Order is not open to Spaniards exclusively, and it has been used to award many foreigners. The Order was established on March 14, 1815 by King Ferdinand VII in honour of Queen Isabella I with the name of "Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic", with the intent of "rewarding the firm allegiance to Spain and the merits of Spanish citizens and foreigners in good standing with the Nation and especially in those exceptional services provided in pursuit of territories in America and overseas." The Order was re-organized by royal decree on July 26, 1847, as the modern "Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic" with a broader focus than the Americas.