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

Dert-Ilerca Order of Merit, Neck Cross and Miniature, 1960s

Set consisting of the neck decoration and its miniature belonging to the Dert-Ilerca Order of Merit, a Catalan-origin distinction created to recognize excellence in the field of the arts. The main cross features a five-pointed enameled star, highlighting at its center a raised ship surrounded by the legend "Dert-Ilerca – Al Mérito," evoking the values of knowledge, art, and Mediterranean culture.

The design is completed with laurel motifs and a crown, elements symbolizing honor and nobility. The cross hangs from a red neck ribbon, while the miniature faithfully reproduces the same details on a smaller scale, ideal for less formal occasions. Both pieces are preserved in excellent condition and stand out for their harmonious aesthetics, vibrant colors, and refined symbolism.

This is an uncommon decoration, especially valued among collectors of 20th-century civil medals. It is perfect to complete a collection or to display in a showcase or decorative arrangement. A piece with character, history, and elegance—difficult to find in this condition.

A unique opportunity to acquire a gem of Catalan artistic recognition.

Measurements: 6.4 cm x 5.1 cm (2.52 in x 2.00 in) – Miniature: 2.0 cm x 1.6 cm (0.79 in x 0.63 in)

History of the Dert-Ilerca Order

The Dert-Ilerca Order is a Catalan civil decoration linked to the recognition of merit in the artistic field. Its name refers to two historic cities in the province of Tarragona: Dertosa, the Roman name for Tortosa, and Ilercavonia, an Iberian region that gave its name to the Ilergetes. These references give the distinction a deeply rooted identity, grounded in Catalonia's cultural tradition. Although no extensive records of its awarding exist, it is known that this distinction was conferred in solemn ceremonies upon individuals who had made notable contributions to the arts, culture, or heritage promotion in the region.

The ship’s symbolism is a frequent motif in the Mediterranean imagination, used to represent knowledge, exploration, cultural openness, and the spirit of striving. Its use in this medal reinforces that link with art as a journey, merit as a path, and distinction as an achieved goal. The choice of laurel as a decorative element also connects with Greco-Roman tradition, in which laureates were the victors, the wise, and the artists.

These medals were produced in limited numbers and with artisanal techniques, explaining their rare appearance on the current market. The aesthetics recall the most classical orders of merit, but with a distinctive personality marked by colors and regional design. In the 1960s, the time of its creation, there was a movement to reclaim and dignify Catalan cultural values, and this medal can also be seen as part of that movement. Today, pieces like this are coveted for both their symbolic value and artistic quality.