(Orden del Mérito Militar). Instituted in 1864. Multi-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with red, white and blue enamels, the white cross indicative of peacetime merit, mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, each star point with five dual-faceted rays, measuring 69.5 mm (w) x 69.2 mm (h), vertical pinback bearing an ornate design flanked by dual stays, intact enamels, the tip of the central dual-faceted ray at 10 and 12 o'clock slightly bent back, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was instituted on August 3, 1864 by Queen Isabel II, revised in 1931, 1936, 1942, 1970, 1977, 1995 and 2003. It is awarded for acts of bravery, distinction, service or merit by members of the Armed Forces, or civilians in support of the military, in two grades: Grand Cross and Cross, in four Divisions: Red, Blue, Yellow, and White.