Spain, Order of Dert-Ilerca. Decoration formed by Collar Cross and Miniature. 1960's.

This beautiful set of medals consists of the Order of Dert-Ilerca, a Catalan distinction (more specifically, from Tarragona) which rewards Pro-Arts Merits or services. In this case, the medal belonged to José Antonio Serrano Montalvo, a relevant personality of the political context in times of Franco, who was awarded the medal in the 1960s, when he was the Civil Governor of Lerida and Tarragona. Some time before, he had been a Local Chief of the SEU (Spanish University Union) and he strongly contributed to the lasting of the organization against those who wanted it to disappear. The medal is made up of two pieces: the Necklace Cross and a miniature. Both show the same design, a five-arm cross in white with a red circle surrounded by a blue fringe. In the fringe there is an inscription with the name of the distinction: Dert-Ilerca Al Merito. The red circle shows a motive of a ship with an only square sail. Between the arms of the cross there are five laurel branches that form another circle. The upper arm of the cross has a golden crown at the top. In the Necklace Cross, this crown is wielded to a crown of laurels joined to a golden ring, which links the Cross to a red moiré band. The miniature shows exactly the same design and colors, in a minor size and without the upper crown of laurels. The two pieces are made of solid golden silver, enameled in four colors: blue, white, red and green. This variety turns these pieces into nice artistic items, of a high plastic beauty. It is undoubtedly a very special distinction because of its rareness and beautiful making, which can become the ideal finishing to the most special collection of medals. Measurements: Necklace Cross: 64 cm height. Miniature: 20 cm width.