Spain. Order of Civil Merit, Commander Category. Golden Silver

Fine medal corresponding to the Order of Civil Merit, Commander Class. This piece is made of gold-plated silver with colorful enameled parts. It was manufactured and awarded during Francisco Francos mandate and has survived to our days in wonderful condition. The medals enamel is embellished with enamel in different colors (red, blue and green); the colored parts are well preserved and look as shiny and bright as the first day. The Order of Civil Merit is a Spanish medal with around ninety years of history behind. It was established by King Alfonso XIII of Spain in June 25th, 1926. It was proposed to him by Miguel Primo de Rivera who was then the President of the Council of Ministers. The first Regulation of the Order was published in May of 1927. Four years after, in 1931 the Order was suppressed by the provisional government of the II Republic; nevertheless, after Francisco Franco seized power it was restituted in 1942 with all its characteristics, privileges and antiquity. The medal that we can see in these images corresponds to the second part of the Orders history. As well as being a historic piece, it is also a beautifully designed jewel. The oval shape located in the center, enameled in blue and with four rays that make up a cross, contains an inscription that reads AL MÉRITO CIVIL (to the Civil Merit). The oval is located in front of a gold-plated silver cross composed of ray beams. Over this cross we can see a crown enameled in red and green. The whole piece hangs from a green-enameled delicate laurel wreath connected to a silver ring. Beautifully made and with an undeniably historic relevance, this lovely piece will stand out in a good collection of Spanish medals. Measurements: Width: 51 mm. Height (without ring): 75 mm.