The Order of Civil Merit
Jeweled Grand Cross Star. Breast Star 80x76 mm., with chiselled GOLD rays, white enameled cross of St. Andrew’s type with swallow’s tail finals superimposed by a similar cross in Gold, completely set with sea-blue cut stones, oval centre medallion with the golden, allegoric image of a lady pointing a sword above a fire representing the spirit of sacrifce, surrounded by a border set with tiny diamonds, the whole within blue enameled outer circlet with the Order’s motto “AL MERITO CI VIL” in golden lettering, surrounded by a thin white enameled border, above, a golden Imperial crown, also set with stones of different colours, the reverse, with engraved details, chiselled, vertical, broad pin and two side-hooks, in the original, brown morocco, fitted case of issue, with maker’s mark of "Villanueva y Laiseca, Madrid". A lavishly-made star in the finest Spanish quality, excellent condition. I RR!