(Cruz del Mérito Naval). Instituted in 1866. Type VII (1942-1976). Fullsize: multi-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, surrounded by four icons and surmounted by the Franco crown in silver gilt, the insignia mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with five pairs of faceted rays, with a single pair of faceted rays between each point, measuring 62.8 mm (w) x 62.3 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays; and Miniature: three-piece construction, two-piece insignia in silver gilt with blue and white enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with five faceted rays, measuring 22.5 mm (w) x 22.5 mm (h), ring-style button hole attachment with safety pin. Both with intact enamels, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, pebbled maroon exterior, silver plate affixed to the lid engraved in running script "Al C. de C. Masip Acevedo / Con admiración y cariño de dedican esta Cruz, el Comandante y dotacion de la J.E.E.R. de Cartagena / Diciembre de 1959", inside lid in white satin and maker marked "Medina MADRID BARCELONA", slotted yellow felt medal bed, measuring 100.5 mm (w) x 100.5 mm (h) x 37.5 mm (d), light wear evident on the bottom, case also extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Naval Merit was instituted on August 3, 1866.