Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Cisneros, Commander c.1970

(Orden de Cisneros). Instituted by General Francisco Franco in 1944. A fine ball-tipped enameled red Maltese Cross in gilt, featuring crossed arrows in each quadrant, the obverse superimposed by a nice enameled black Spanish eagle, plain reverse, measuring 56.67 mm (w) x 65.09 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), with light contact, suspended by ornamented loop suspension on original neck ribbon, near mint condition.

Footnote: The Order of Cisneros was instituted by General Francisco Franco on March 8, 1944. It was created after the end of the Spanish Civil War to reward those who served to Franco during the war, and who collaborated on the establishment of the new government. The Order was awarded either to Spanish or foreign citizens, men and women, in recognition of political merit and outstanding service to the national cause within Spain.