Spain, Order of Agricultural Merit. Commander's Badge and Miniature. Silver, Gold and Precious Stones.

Beautiful and prestigious distinction, consisting of the Order of Agricultural Merit which was awarded to José Antonio Serrano Montalvo in 1963. The great material and historical value of this singular piece is enhanced by the Diploma of Award which accompanies it. On the document we can read the name of the awarded, handwritten; Francisco Francos signature and also the signatures of the Grand Chancellor and the Secretary. The medal was awarded to Serrano Montalvo, a relevant figure in the Spanish policy context of those years. He was given the post of Local Chief of the Spanish University Sindicate (SEU), and afterwards he was Civil Governor of Lerida and also of Tarragona. The two pieces that make up the distinction are made of solid silver and gold respectively. The Commanders Plate is made of enameled silver; it is big and star-shaped. The inside circle depicts a figure tilling the land, and it is surrounded by a white stripe on which we can read the inscription Al Mérito Agrícola (To Agricultural Merit). At the top there is a solid gold crown, adorned with real diamonds, rubies and emeralds; at the bottom we can see the Crown of Spain's coat of arms. The whole is surrounded by green-enameled rays, which give the plate the shape of an eight-point star. The miniature which accompanies the plate is similar to it, except that it is fully made of enameled solid gold. The Order of Agricultural Merit was founded in 1905, and in 1987 turned into the current Order to Agricultural, Fishing and Food Merit. The antique order was awarded to people and institutions which had shown an outstanding job in the agricultural industry. It belonged to the so-called civil orders, which are only awarded because of this kind of merits (not military). It is a prestigious and high distinction, which joins its great beauty and material value to its historical and military interest. Overall, it is the best acquisition for any self-respecting collection of antiques and military and historical items. Measurements: Plate: 82 mm width. Miniature: 21 mm height.