Spain, Order of Civil Merit. Grand Cross, Highest Distinction. 1960s.

Impressive Spanish medal from the 1960s: the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit. It is the highest distinction of that Order and was awarded to José Antonio Serrano Montalvo. The owner of this medals name appears in the solid silver plate which personalizes the luxurious case, with the base velvet renewed, in which the set of medals is kept, and also in an exceptional Diploma issued and signed by Francisco Franco Bahamonde. The set, in perfect condition, is composed by a Necklace and a Plate, which come with a miniature made of solid gold and diamonds. The chest cross and the Plate are made of gold-plated silver, enameled in blue, white and red. On the different pieces we can read the inscription that testifies for the Order: Al Mérito Civil (Civil Merit). The delicate making of the pieces and the fine enamel work, and also the silversmithing work, turn them into a magnificent set which is enhanced by its historical value. The case is made of solid reddish wood, delicately varnished; on the cover there is a solid-silver plate with the following inscription: Members of the administrative corporations in the Province and the City of Lleida His Excellency Mr. José Antonio Serrano Montalvo as an expression of affection and loyalty. This text talks about the awarding of the Order to José Antonio Serrano Montalvo, Local Chief of the Spanish University Sindicate (SEU) and who in 1960 became Civil Governor of Lérida. The Diploma also indicates that he was given the award in 1961. The Order of Civil Merit is a medal awarded by the Foreign Office, to Spanish citizens or foreigners who have accomplished civil merits. It was founded by Alfonso XII at the request of Miguel Primo de Rivera. The government of the II Republic suppressed it, but it was recovered in 1942 by Franco. The Grand Cross is one of the highest categories of the Order, and it is only overcome by the Great Necklace. All this details tell us that we are looking at a great medal, valuable and prestigious: a piece of the highest interest for the best collectors, who want to complete their showcases with an exceptional item. Pieces measurement: Chest Cross: 74 cm high. Miniature: 26 cm high. Plate: 79 mm high.