(Orden de Cisneros). Instituted 1944 by General Francisco Franco. 1944-1977 issued. In silver gilt, an early sash badge consisting of a red enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials, featuring crossed arrows in each quadrant also in silver gilt, with obverse center depicting a typical of time period enamelled black eagle, with plain reverse with two marks at 7 o’clock denoting a silver fineness of .925 and the maker mark for M. Cejalvo, measures 49.77mm (w) x 54.47mm (h), weighs 23.8 grams (excluding ribbon), worn on an original full length red silk Grand Cross Sash with bow, enamels intact, very fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order, composed of silver gilt, consisting of a red enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials, featuring crossed arrows in each quadrant also in silver gilt, with obverse center depicting a typical of time period enamelled black eagle, reverse presents a single decorative pin assembly with dual stays, marked at 7 o’clock with a silver fineness of .925 and the makers marks for M. Cejalvo, measures 78.51mm (w) x 78.49mm (h), weighs 70.0 grams, light chipping to black enamel on eagle, otherwise in very fine condition. Contained in original hardshell case of issued composed of wood and red leatherette, exterior lid impressed with Spanish Coat of Arms, interior consists of a black velvet partial medalbed, with an interior red silk lid stamped M.CEJALVO JOYERIA 11.CRUZ.11 MADRID, measures, 137mm (w) x 274mm (l) x 68mm (d), medalbed insert is loose, wear to silk around hinge, discolouration of exterior base, wear to leatherette, hinge and clasp functional, fine condition.
Footnote: The Order of Cisneros (Orden de Cisneros) was instituted by General Francisco Franco on March 8, 1944. It was created after the end of the Spanish Civil War to reward those who served to Franco during the war, and who collaborated on the establishment of the new government. The Order was awarded either to Spanish or foreign citizens, men and women, in recognition of political merit and outstanding service to the national cause within Spain.