(Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III). Instituted September 19 1771 by King Charles of Spain. An exquisite commander in Gold, presenting a blue enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials and a white enamelled and a Fleur De Lis in each quadrant, the obverse medallion is oval and shape and presents a superimposed figure of St. Mary standing on a cloud of Gold in a white dress wrapped in a blue robe with delicate star and tassel details, she is on a yellow enamelled field with light pink rays emanating from her figure, surrounded in three rings of gold, blue enamel, and gold, the reverse medallion presents the cipher of Charles III on a dark blue enamelled field, surrounded by a white enamelled border with the inscription VIRTUTI ET MERITO (Virtue and Merit), the badge is surmounted by a Gold oval laurel wreath with a small blue enamelled tie at 6 o’clock, measures 47.67mm (w) x 84.05mm (h – inclusive of laurel wreath and integral suspension ring), weighs 37.6 grams, accompanied by an original commander neck ribbon, a beautiful decoration with flawless enamels, in mint condition.
Footnote: The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III (Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III) was established by King Carlos III/Charles III of Spain on September 19, 1771, to mark the occasion of the birth of his grandson Carlos V/Charles V, future heir of the Spanish thrown.