(Real y Militar Orden de San Fernando). Type II (1815-1920). Originally instituted by the General Courts of Cadiz as a National Order on August 31, 1811. In Gold, a white enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials, with a green enamelled laurel wreath in each quadrant, surmounted by a green enamelled laurel wreath set in Gold, obverse centre featuring a partially enamelled white and blue figure of St. Ferdinand on a small patch of green enamel, encircled by a blue enamelled border inscribed AL MÉRITO MILITAR (To Military Merit), reverse centre superposing by two crowned orbs on a green enamelled patch, circumscribed by the inscription EL REY Y LA PATRIA (King and Fatherland) on enamelled blue surround, gold ram hallmark on French striated ring denoting Gold guarantee for 1819-1838, measuring 36.41mm (w) x 50.35mm (h – inclusive of wreath suspension and integral ball, weighs 14.8 grams (including ribbon), worn on original ribbon with large rosette, ball finial on 12 o’clock arm has been forced off the tip of the arm and is partially present on the side, loss of enamel to green enamelled wreath, evident lacquer and staining on white enamel arms, reverse medallion has been poorly re-enamelled in teal, demonstrating contact marks, overall a better than fine piece.
Footnote: The Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand (Real y Militar Orden de San Fernando) was originally founded by the General Courts of Cadiz as a National Order on August 31, 1811. It was approved by King Fernando VII/Ferdinand VII on November 28, 1814, right after the restoration of his throne; and it was switched as a Royal and Military Order in 1815. In Type II (1815-1920), the Order's grades were Grand Cross (or V Class), IV Class, III Class, II Class, and I Class. The Grand Cross was conferred upon Chiefs, IV and III Classes were conferred upon Generals, while II and I Classes were conferred upon Officers and enlisted men. The II Class consisted of a gold laureate badge to Officers