Spain, Franco Era. An Order of Military Merit with White Distinction, 3rd Class
Orden del Mérito Militar. Instituted in 1864. Breast Badge: in silver gilt with red, white and blue enamels, measuring 39.8 mm (w) x 50.5 mm (h), replacement ribbon; and Breast Star: insignia in silver gilt with red, white and blue enamels, along with two castle and two lion icons, mounted to a silver gilt eight-pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, measuring 64.2 mm (w) x 64 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays. Scattered gilt wear on the Badge, intact enamels, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order was created by Queen Isabella II in 1864, to be awarded for military merit. The cross is in white enamel in times of peace, and in red enamel in times of war.

