(Medalla al Mérito Deportivo). Instituted on April 18, 1952 by Francisco Franco. Of national manufacture, a rounded medal constructed of silver, the obverse presenting a central image of an angel with a laurel wreath on each hand in Gold, together with a partially enameled Spanish coat of arms from Franco’s period also in solid Gold, embellished by a four-armed cross formed by nicely jewelry-cut synthetic sapphires incrusted between engraved silver patterns, the reverse is plain with two affixed screws, surmounted by an enameled symbol of the Olympic Games in silver, measuring 45.95 mm (w) x 68.13 mm (h - inclusive of the suspension), on original early ribbon with typical Spanish horizontal hanger with pinback, general toned silver and light contact, very good condition. Accompanied by the presentation case, consisting of a hard-shelled dark-red box, the exterior lid presenting a gilded Spanish coat of arms from Franco’s period, embellishing by a gilded pattern frame, the interior lid is on white silk with maker’s label of Cejalvo, Madrid, the medalbed on blue cotton, measuring 98.58 mm (w) x 33.82 mm (h) x 147 mm (l), with functional push button, minor scratched surfaces and detached interior lid, otherwise case in good condition. A scarce medal, likely an extraordinary grade, in very good condition.
Footnote: The Medal for Sports Merit was instituted in 1952 and was issued in three grades: I Class Gold Grade, II Class Silver Grade and III Glass Bronze Grade.