Spain, Kingdom. A Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III, Commander in Gold, c. 1870

(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted September 19, 1771 by King Charles III. In 18K Gold, a white and blue enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, fleur-de-lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features a robed Isabella the Catholic, the reverse medallion features the cypher of Charles III on a white enamel field with green laurels on each side, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed VIRTUTI ET MERITO, the cross is surmounted by a Gold wreath with a blue enamel tie at 6 o’clock, measures 48.8mm (w) x 73.1mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension), worn on a full length original neck ribbon with a blue and white enamelled ring, weighs 35.3 grams (including ribbon), enamel wear to the blue and white enamelled suspension ring, dark patina on fleur de lis, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition.