(Muy Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III). Instituted 1771. Alphonso XIII’s period (1900-1926 Issue). Of high quality manufacture, a typical Spanish ball-tipped Maltese Cross in finely gilded silver, the arms appliqued in outstanding white and blue enamels, with elegant cut gilded edges, embellishing by detailed hand-chased fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse exhibiting a hand-made enameled St. Mary in multiple colors, with a gilded background, encircled by an enameled blue border with gilded edges, the reverse displaying a central enameled cipher of Charles III, together with the inscription VIRTUTI ET MERITO, the cross is surmounted by a neat, highly-detailed laurel wreath also in silver gilt, measuring 43.24 mm (w) x 64.94 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath and integral ring), general toned silver, with reverse presenting minor faded enamels on the central medallion, accompanied by original breast ribbon, an exquisite piece in very good condition.
Footnote: The Order of Charles III was founded in 1771 by Charles III King of Spain, and it was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV on February 21, 1772. It was established in commemoration of the birth of his first grandson Carlos Clemente. The Order was awarded to individuals who displayed actions that had enhanced the prestige and goals of the Spanish Crown. Currently it is conferred upon Spanish and foreign citizens for extremely meritorious domestic and foreign service to Spain.