(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted 1815 by King Ferdinand VII. Second Restoration. (1875-1931). A consisting of a red enameled Maltese Cross with ball finials, featuring delicate clusters of five rays in each quadrant, obverse exhibiting a hand painted on enamel design surrounded by the inscription A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA (To the Pure Loyalty), reverse centre depicting the cypher of Ferdinand VII on an enameled dark blue background, encircled by elegant enameled white border inscribed POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA (For Isabella the Catholic), adorned by detailed enameled green laurel wreath suspension, measuring 43.5mm (w) x 66.6mm (h – inclusive of integral ball atop wreath suspension), weighs 29.2 grams (including ribbon), loss of gilt throughout decoration, enamels intact, in very fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of Isabella the Catholic (Orden de Isabel la Católica) was instituted as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic (Real y Americana Orden de Isabella Católica) by royal decree of March 24, 1815. The badge changed as consequences of political events in Spain; during the reign of Ferdinand VII (1815-1847) and the Restoration (1875-1931) the badge featured the cipher of Ferdinand VII; during the reign of Isabella II (1847-1868) the badge featured the cipher of Isabella II; at the Second Republic (1931-1938) the badge depicted a caravel, and during the Franco era (1939-1975) the badge featured a “FY.”