(Orden Civil de Alfonso X el Sabio). Instituted in 1939. Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt with red, white, blue and black enamels, unmarked, measuring 57.2 mm (w) x 61.2 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, with suspension loop, intact enamels, on a replacement full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise is a Spanish civil order established in 1939, recognizing activities in the fields of education, science, culture, higher education and research. The order was created on May 23, 1902 by Royal decree as the Order of Alfonso XII. In 1988, the order was reformed and given its current name. The main innovation of the 1988 reform was to discontinue the previous award's practice of distinguishing male and female achievements, thereby eliminating explicit sexual discrimination. It is awarded in six grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. The Collar is awarded to heads of state or government, heads of high state institutions, and heads of international organizations. This grade is awarded by Royal Decree with the proposal of the Minister of Education, the Order's Grand Chancellor. Holders of the collar are granted the honorific The Most Excellent. It is limited to six recipients.