Order of Isabella the Catholic, Grand Cross (1815-1847)

SKU: 01.ESP.0112.102.01

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  • Grand Cross (Gold) Obverse
  • Grand Cross (Gold) Obverse
  • Grand Cross (Gold) Obverse
  • Grand Cross (Gold) Obverse
  • Grand Cross (Gold) Reverse
  • Grand Cross (Gold) Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Spain
  • date of institution
    March 24, 1815
  • remarks
    This Order is one of the oldest orders in Europe that is still an official reward. Due to its long history, there are known several variation that may include sizes, composition materials, details, and the design of the insignia. Decorations from the First and Second Republics are extremely rare.

History


The Order of Isabella the Catholic (Orden de Isabel la Católica) was instituted as the Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic (Real y Americana Orden de Isabella Católica) by royal decree of March 24, 1815. The name of the Order was modified when the Spanish Crown abandoned its intentions of ruling Latin America and overseas on April 15, 1889.

The Order was founded as a civil and military order awarded in recognition of those men who had served the interests of the Spanish Crown in Latin America and overseas.

Originally, the grades were Grand Cross, Knight I Class, and Knight II Class. Additional grades were added over the history of the Order; the Commander by Number was added in 1847; the Silver Cross was added in 1903; and, the Silver and Bronze Medals were added in 1907 for low-ranking soldiers and sailors. The Knight of the Collar was added in 1927, while the Officer grade in 1931.

There was a special medal depicting the bust of Ferdinand VII, that was conferred only upon those who were born in Latin America, and had served to Spanish interests. However, there are no known versions of this medal.

In 1938, the Order was extended to reward women in all ranges, but in a reduced size.

The badge changed as consequences of political events in Spain; during the reign of Ferdinand VII (1815-1847) and the Restoration (1875-1931) the badge featured the cipher of Ferdinand VII; during the reign of Isabella II (1847-1868) the badge featured the cipher of Isabella II; at the Second Republic (1931-1938) the badge depicted a caravel, and during the Franco era (1939-1975) the badge featured a “FY.”

In order of precedence, this Order was the highest decoration for the government of the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1937).

The Order is active in Spain, and its current statements were approved on November 6, 1998. It is conferred to foreigners and Spanish citizens either women or men for meritorious civil acts, especially those that foster the relationships between Spain and other nations.

The Order consists of nine grades, i. e., Collar, Grand Cross, Commander by Number (in some sources known as Grand Officer,) Commander, Officer, Knight (in some sources known as Cross,) Silver Cross, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal.

The motto of the Order can be translated to “For the Pure Loyalty of Isabella the Catholic." The inscription "PLUS ULTRA" features on the banner surrounding the towers on the obverse medallion.

The monogram on the top of the obverse medallion of the badge may depict "F7," "Y2," "FR" or a caravel.

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Versions

  • Price

    $800+ USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA FR7

  • Size

    40-44x60mm (inclusive of suspension)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $1250+ USD

  • Composition

    Bronze gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA IR

  • Size

    55x78mm (inclusive of suspension)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $550-650 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA FR7

  • Size

    42.5x57mm (inclusive of suspension)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $1220 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA

  • Size

    40-43x60-64mm (inclusive of suspension)

  • Maker

    Cejalvo, Madrid

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $700+ USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA

  • Size

    43x68mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    The reverse of the badge features a caravel. This version belongs to the Second Spanish Republic.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $120+ USD

  • Composition

    Bronze gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA

  • Size

    43x63mm (inclusive of suspension)

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $220-420 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA FY

  • Size

    43-47x63-76mm (inclusive of suspension)

  • Maker

    Cejalvo, Madrid; Federico Costa, Madrid

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA

  • Size

    47mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: PLUS ULTRA A LA LEALTAD ACRISOLADA Rev: POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA

  • Size

    37mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item

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