(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted March 24, 1815. Collar instituted in 1927. A lovely silver gilt collar comprising fifteen alternating links, eight of which depict a red enamelled FY with a cluster of arrows and yolk in between the letters, each measuring 55.45mm (w – inclusive of integral rings) x 28.79mm (h), the reverse of each FY link is plain, these are alternating with seven round bulbous links depicting a hand painted design with the inscription PLUS ULTRA across two towers protected by a thin glass pane, surrounded by a green, red and white enamelled wreath, each measuring 44.67mm (w – inclusive of integral rings) x 34.70mm (h), the reverse of the four of the inks are plain with four rivets, while two have vertical pins to secure the collar to the recipients shoulder, the reverse of the link opposite the central link features a small hook with a sliding pinch clasp, the central link features a large eagle with a central crest and surmounting crown, measures 47.45mm (w – inclusive of integral rings) x 59.82mm (h), the reverse is plain with several rivets, a small chain with 10 links on each side connects the Collar Badge to the collar, the collar in its entirety measures 1000mm in length, and remains in extremely fine condition.
The Collar Badge features a silver gilt cross with ball finials and red enamel interior arms, clusters of five smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a hand painted scene, surrounded by a white enamel ring inscribed A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA (To Proven Loyalty), the reverse medallion features a crowned FY cypher on a blue field, surrounded by a white ring inscribed POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA (For Isabella the Catholic), the cross is surmounted by a green enamelled wreath, measures 51.46mm (w) x 79.32mm (h), the red enamel arm is missing from the 12 o’clock arm on the obverse, the reverse medallion has been reattached, enamel cracks throughout, in overall very fine condition.
Accompanied by a miniature chain, with four FY arrow and yoke links and four round links with hand painted centers and green wreaths, the reverse of these links are all plain, the central link features an eagle with central Spanish crest, connected to the miniature collar badge featuring a silver gilt and red enamelled cross with ball finials, the central medallion features a hand painted scene surrounded by a white ring inscribed A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA, the reverse medallion with a crowned FY cypher on a blue field, with the white enamel surround inscribed POR ISABELLA LA CATOLICA, a surmounting green enamelled wreath, the chain is connected to a large gilt oval with central bar and two protruding integral rings, the collar measures 100mm (length from oval to center of the badge) x 30mm (w – of oval), weighs 12.9 grams, enamels intact, in very fine condition.
Contained in it’s original case of issue, a dark red leatherette exterior with a central superimposed Spanish coat of arms in the center, the interior presents a silk lid marked CEJALVO MADRID makers mark in the center, the base offers a black velvet recessed medal bed, the case measures 390mm (w) x 305mm (h) x 50mm (d), two catches along the front edge both functional, light scuffing to the exterior edges, wax reside on the velvet base, remains in extremely fine condition.