Spain, Kingdom. A Royal and Military Order of our Lady of Montesa, Knight, c.1940

(Real y Militar Orden de Nuestra Señora de Montesa). Instituted in 1319 by King Jaime II of Aragón. WWII period issue. A very unusual rounded badge in silver gilt, with obverse centre displaying an enameled black and red Montesa cross, with an enameled white background, the plain reverse, measuring 40.65 mm (w) x 45.98 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), with minor lost of gilt and stained white enamels, suspending of typical order’s ribbon before 1875, extremely fine.

Footnote: One of the oldest orders in Europe, founded by King Jaime II, probably in 1316, or 1319, the Order of our Lady of Montesa was granted to Knights who protected the territory of Aragón against Moor invasions, and who were subject to the rules and precepts of the Order of Calatrava. It is currently awarded as a honorific, religious, and nobiliary order within Spain.