Spain, Transition. An Order of Agricultural Merit, Grand Commander with Case, by M. Cejalvo, c.1950

(Orden al Mérito Agrario). Instituted 1905 by King Alfonso XIII. Transition period issued. Constructed of silver gilt, consisting of a finely enameled green eight-pointed multirayed star, the obverse features an engraved woman plowing the field in gilt, circumscribed by an enameled white border with inscription MERITO AGRICOLA (Agricultural Merit), as well as by a gilt necklace composed by linked Zodiac signs, with a Spanish coat of arms on the base, surmounted by a period partially enameled Spanish crown, plain reverse, measuring 60.62 (w) x 64.20 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), with loop suspension on replacement ribbon, minor loss of gilt, the crown and the coat of arms are bent, extremely fine. Accompanied by the breast star, consisting of enameled green eight-pointed star in silver, the obverse presents an engraved woman plowing the field in silver, encircled by an enameled white border in gilt, inscribed MERITO AGRICOLA, as well as by a necklace of linked Zodiac signs also in silver, presenting period Spanish coat of arms on the base, with surmounted Spanish crown on the top, reverse with ornamented pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 74.34 (w) x 76.96 mm (h), light contact, 3 o’clock arm is bent, the crown is slightly detached, extremely fine. Together with the miniature in gilt and enamels, measuring 19.701 mm diameter, with pinback, extremely fine. The set is completed by a hard-shelled blue case, with gilded details on the exterior lid, the interior lid is inscribed by maker's mark CEJALVO, MADRID, in a white-cream silk, with black bed medal in cotton, measuring 132 mm (w) x 39 mm (h) x 204 mm (l), presenting removed plaque leaving the holes for attachment in the lid, with functional push-button, fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Agricultural Merit was founded in Spain by King Alfonso XIII on December 1, 1905. It was awarded in recognition of those who had encouraged the agricultural practices in Spain. The Order was annulled by the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, and it was reinstated by General Francisco Franco on October 14, 1942. The Order was re-instituted as the Order of Agrarian, Fishery and Alimentary Merit on February 27, 1987.