(Orden del Mérito Civil). Instituted 1926 by King Alfonso XII of Spain; re-instituted 1942 by General Francisco Franco. Franco’s issue. In silver, an eight point star with clusters of faceted rays, the obverse bears a white and blue enamelled Saltire cross with an ovular center inscribed AL MERITO CIVIL, the obverse medallion in silver features a full length female figure, an imperial crown sits on the 12 o’clock arm, the reverse bears a single vertical pin flanked by dual stays, with rivets for the crown and cross, measures 69.8mm (w) x 71.7mm (h), weighs 60.1 grams, dark patina in the medallion and crown, hinge and pin functional, in very fine condition.
Contained in its case of issue, a hardshell blue leatherette square case with a Spanish Coat of Arms superimposed on the lid, the interior features a silk lid with blue recessed medal bed, measures 102mm (w) x 99mm (h) x 32mm (d), evident wear to medal bed, otherwise in very fine condition.