Bidspirit auction | Grand Cross Breast Star of

Grand Cross Breast Star of Isabella The Catholic - Grand Cross Breast Star of the Spanish Order of Isabella the Catholic comprised of a silver Maltese cross with red enamel, terminating in faceted silver balls, with rays of silver between each arm. The central enamel plaque marked ”A la Lealtad Acrisolada” (for loyalty shown) and the two columns of Hercules, symbolizing the straits of Gibraltar, with scrolls ”Plus-Ultra” (more on the other side) and two globes, symbolizing the old and new world, beneath a crown. Further inscribed ”Por Ysabel la Catoli” (For Isabel the Catholic). With crowned monogram F7 used between 1815-1847 and 1875-1931. The reverse with older c-clasp closure and two ancillary hooks. Created in 1815 by King Ferdinand VII in honor of Queen Isabella I with the intent of ”rewarding the firm allegiance to Spain and the merits of Spanish citizens and foreigners in good standing with the Nation and especially in those exceptional services provided in pursuit of territories in America and overseas.” The Order of Isabella the Catholic enjoys great prestige, both in Spain and abroad, due to its use as a powerful instrument of international relations, with awardees inducted from all over the world. It is also the only Spanish civil honor that confers personal nobility, with the right to an individual coat of arms, an official style of address (The Most Illustrious Sir / Ilustrísimo Señor), and full membership in nobiliary corporations. Provenance: From the Collection of Lynne Rossetto Kasper. Diameter: 3 1/2 in. Gross weight: 85.1 g. Condition: Some tarnishing, the enamel in very good condition. All components firmly attached, clasp working well.