Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Civil Merit, Supernumerary Commander with Case, by M. Cejalvo, c.1950

(Orden al Mérito Civil). Instituted by King Alfonso XIII on June 25, 1926. 1940-1975 Issued. In silver, a multirayed eight-pointed star with beaded arms, the obverse is superposed by a blue-enameled white-edged four-armed cross also in silver, featuring the central inscription AL MERITO CIVIL (To Civil Merit), the cross is surmounted by a period Imperial crown also in silver, the reverse with principal pin assembly flanked by two stays, measuring 68.98 mm (w) x 70.35 mm (h), with slight tarnish on the star, otherwise extremely fine condition; accompanied by a hard-shelled blue Order’s case, the exterior lid with a golden Spanish coat of arms, the inside in white silk with the jewelry label sign of Cejalvo, Madrid on the lid and slopped bed medal, functionally pushbutton, wearing exterior surfaces, case very good.

Footnote: The Order of Civil Merit was established by King Alfonso XIII on June 25, 1926. It was later abolished by the Second Republic in 1933, and reinstated by General Francisco Franco in 1942 after the end of the Civil War. It is currently conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens who have displayed civil virtue and meritorious actions that served to the interests of Spanish culture.