Spain, Franco Period. An Order of Alphonso X the Wise, Grand Cross, by Villanueva y Laiseca, c.1965

(Orden de Alfonso X el Sabio). Instituted in 1939 by Francisco Franco. 1939-present issue. A sash badge set in silver gilt, composed of a red enameled four-armed cross with opened Fleur-de-lis ends, presenting the inscription MAGISTER on the 12 o’clock arm, denoting Title granted with the Grand Cross, obverse centre with a blue enameled background superposing by an enameled figure of Alphonso X the Wise holding an Ord and a Scepter, surrounded by the inscription ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON (Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon), reverse depicting a typical of time period Spanish eagle in red, yellow, and blue enamels, beneath of an engraved Latin inscription standing for ALTIORA PETO (My Highest Objective), measuring 58.04 mm (w) x 61.95 mm (h - inclusive if integral ring), presenting lost of gilt and minor stained enamels, suspending by original silk sash ribbon with bow, very good condition; accompanied by the Order’s star also in silver gilt, a red enameled four-armed cross with Fleur-de-lis, presenting also the inscription MAGISTER on the 12 o’clock arm, obverse centre featuring a detailed superposed enameled figure of Alphonso X the Wise on a pleasant enameled blue background, surrounded by an enameled white border inscribed ALFONSO X EL SABIO REY DE CASTILLA Y LEON, reverse with ornament pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 79.57 mm (w) x 78.54 mm (h), extremely good condition; together with the case in brown, a hardshelled ornament box with functioning catch, featruring white silk interior printed by maker's label "Villanueva y Laiseca Joyeros, Madrid", one of the most success jewels in Spain nowadays, with slotted medal bed, push closure, presenting evident wear on the edges, scuffed exterior with minor stains, measuring 193 mm (l) x 291 mm (w) x 71 mm (h), very fine.   

 

Footnote: The Order of Alphonso the Wise was founded by General Francisco Franco to reward meritorious service within the fields of education, science, culture, teaching, and researching. As unusual fact in the Spanish Orders, it is conferred upon women and men without differences between their awards.The Grand Cross is conferred upon relevant individuals in the fields of cultural, educational, and scientific researching.