(Orden de Isabel la Católica). Instituted 1815 by King Ferdinand VII/Fernando VII. Alfonso XII’s issued. A superb ball-tipped enameled red four armed Cross in Gold (18k tested), featuring delicate multiple Gold rays in each quadrant, suspended by period enameled green laurel wreath also in Gold, with obverse center displaying an enameled hand-painted Order’s insignia, surrounded by the inscription A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA (To Pure Loyalty), on an enameled white border, the reverse center presenting the cypher of Isabella II on an enameled blue background, encircled by the inscription POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA (For Isabel the Catholic), with a white enameled border, measuring 51.09 mm (w) x 77.25 mm (h - inclusive of laurel wreath suspension), weighting 28.3 grams, suspended on the original neck ribbon with period enameled loop suspension, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Isabella the Catholic was instituted as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic (Real y Americana Orden de Isabella Católica) by royal decree of March 24, 1815. The name of the Order was modified when the Spanish Crown abandoned its intentions of ruling Latin America and overseas on April 15, 1889. The Order was founded as a civil and military order awarded in recognition of those men who had served the interests of the Spanish Crown in Latin America and overseas. Originally, the grades were Grand Cross, Knight I Class, and Knight II Class. Additional grades were added over the history of the Order; the Commander by Number was added in 1847; the Silver Cross was added in 1903; and, the Silver and Bronze Medals were added in 1907 for low-ranking soldiers and sailors. The Knight of the Collar was added in 1927, while the Officer grade in 1931. The Order is active in Spain, and its current statements were approved on November 6, 1998. It is conferred to foreigners and Spanish citizens either women or men for meritorious civil acts, especially those that foster the relationships between Spain and other nations.