(Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted by King Charles III of Spain on September 19, 1771. Isabel II’s period. Of superb quality manufacture in Gold, a hollow ball-tipped Maltese Cross in blue and white enamels as well as hand-finished Gold edges, with each quadrant exhibiting a finely cut Gold fleur-de-lys royal symbol, suspended by typical of period laurel wreath with blue enamel bow, obverse centre in etching Gold and blue-enamelling border superposing by a hand painted figure of Immaculate Conception in natural enamels, reverse with blue-enamelling cypher of Charles III with motto VIRTUTI ET MÉRITO (Virtue and Merit) in surround, measuring 41.86 mm (w) x 66.13 mm (h - inclusive of horizontally pierced integral ring), weighting 20.4 grams, with slightly faded blue enamels on the obverse medallion, minor tarnished Gold in the laurel wreath, presenting strong oxidation on the 1 o’clock fleur-de-lys, accompanied by very well-preserved full-length sash with bow at ends, in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III was established by King 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 throne. It was awarded to individuals who had displayed actions that enhanced the prestige and goals of the Spanish crown. During the reign of Joseph Bonaparte (1808-1814) the Order was abolished, but it was restored by King Ferdinand VII during the restoration. During the First (1874-1875) and Second Republic (1931-1938), the Order was abolished again each time. However, with the consecutively Restoration of the Bourbon's House, the Order was finally restored.