Spain, Kingdom. A Royal & Military Order of St. Ferdinand, I Class Cross c.1900
(Real y Militar Orden de San Fernando). Instituted by the General Courts of Cadiz in 1811, confirmed by King Ferdinand VII in 1814. Issued 1860-1920. A reduced size I Class Cross in bronze gilt, consisting of an attractive enameled white Maltese Cross with ball finials, surmounting by nicely enameled green laurel leaves, obverse centre featuring a partially enameled figure of St. Ferdinand surrounded by an enameled light-blue border inscribed AL MERITO MILITAR (To Military Merit), reverse presenting two connected orbs surrounded by the inscription EL REY Y LA PATRIA (King and Fatherland), on an enameled light-blue border, measuring 23.14 mm (w) x 28.02 mm (h - inclusive integral ring suspension), with loss of green enamel, accompanied by original breast ribbon, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of St. Ferdinand was instituted in Spain during the Peninsular War to reward all soldiers and civilians who was taking part of this engagement against French forces. Throughout the 19th century was the highest military decoration in Spain, and it was awarded in several occasions due to the internal problems in the country. It is one of the oldest Orders in Europe that is still active.

