Spain, Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Antique Model. Circa 1900

Striking Spanish, the Grand Cross and Star of the Order of Isabella the Catholic from the early 20th century, from the era of kings Alphonse XII and XIII (1875-1931). The medal is in exceptional condition and is also a historical piece, together to a beautiful article. The medal is made of gilded solid silver decorated with enamels, and comes with its original satin band (incomplete) in two tones of yellow. This medal is formed by a grand cross and a star, which are similar in shape and decoration but different is size. The image painted on them is the same, but some colors and details are different. The grand cross is bigger and bears a central motive (the same as the star: two trunked columns with a band surrounding them with the inscription PLUS ULTRA; and two crowned orbs on the shore of a lake) surrounded by a laurel wreath. Among the laurel leaves we can see this inscription: A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA POR ISABEL LA CATÓLICA (To loyalty proved by Isabella The Catholic). The whole design is surrounded by the crosss arms, enameled in red, and some rays which come out from the central circle. The star has no laurel wreaths into the medal but is similar to the grand cross; at the back it has a blue circle surrounded by a white border, with a golden crowned anagram and an inscription which says: POR ISABEL LA CATÓLICA. The cross is attached to a gilded silver ring by means of a green-enameled fitting in the shape of a laurel wreath. The Order of Isabella the Catholic is Spanish civil order granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. It was created in1815 by King Ferdinand VII with the name of "Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic." The Order was reorganized in 1847 and from them on it was known as "Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic," with a broader focus than the Americas. Measurements: Grand Cross: 75 x 75 cm. Star: 39 x 56 cm.