(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted September 1771 by King Charles III. A silver gilt Maltese cross of white and blue enamel with ball finials and fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse center presents a delicately handmade Virgin Mary figure of Gold and enamel, in a blue enamel surround, the reverse center features the cypher Charles III on a white enamel field with a green enamelled laurel and oak leaf branch, surrounded in a blue enamel surround inscribed VIRTUTI ET MERITO (Virtue and Merit), suspended from a large silver gilt wreath, measures 50.52mm (w) x 79.22 (h – inclusive of wreath suspension), weighs 42.3 grams (excluding ribbon), boar’s head hallmark on the integral suspension ring denoting .800 silver fineness and Paris manufacture post 1838, worn a replacement full length neck ribbon, enamel cracks and repairs in arms of cross, repairs to reverse center, gilt wear present, near very fine condition.
Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III (Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III) was established by King Carlos III/Charles III of Spain on September 19, 1771, to mark the occasion of the birth of his grandson Carlos V/Charles V, future heir of the Spanish thrown. It was dedicated to Immaculate Conception and was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV on February 21, 1772. Originally, it was awarded to individuals who had displayed actions that enhanced the prestige and goals of the Spanish crown. The Order had two original grades, i.e. the Grand Cross, and Knight. The Commander by Number was added in 1783 while the Knight of the Collar was added in 1878. The Dame’s Bow was incorporated in 1983. During the reign of Joseph Bonaparte (1808-1815) the Order was abolished, but after the restoration of King Fernando VII/Ferdinand VII, the Order was restored. During the First (1874-1875) and Second Spanish Republics (1931-1938), the Order was abolished again each time. However, with the consecutively Restoration of the Bourbon's House, the Order was finally restored. Since its founding, it has been considered the most prestigious civil order within Spain.