Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand, Grand Cross

SKU: 01.ESP.0110.101.01

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  • Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand, Grand Cross Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Spain
  • date of institution
    August 31, 1811
  • remarks
    There are known several version of this Order that varying in composition, and size.

History


The Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand (Real y Militar Orden de San Fernando) was originally founded by the General Courts of Cadiz as a National Order on August 31, 1811. It was approved by King Fernando VII/Ferdinand VII on November 28, 1814, right after the restoration of his throne; and it was switched as a Royal and Military Order in 1815.

The Order was established in recognition of all military personnel who participated at the Peninsular War, an engagement against Napoleonic army that took place in Spain between 1807-1814. On this occasion, the Order was mainly conferred upon European royal armies from Spain, Great Britain, Portugal, and France, among others.

Throughout 19th century, the Order was awarded in recognition of distinguished services and eminent acts of heroism in the defense of Spain and its citizens. Frequently, it was awarded to foreigners military personnel, even though the statutes declared that the Order should only be granted to Spanish soldiers.

The Order may be conceded in two classes; the decorations with laurel wreath (Laureate) were granted in recognition of heroism and acts of courage, while the decoration without laurel wreath were conceded for distinguished services. In some rare occasion the decoration depicted fleur-de-lys instead of the laurel wreath, in recognition of meritorious and outstanding military services.

In 1856, the insignia for lowest ranks was changed to a Latin cross consisting of four central swords united by the hilts. This is the current design of the Order's breast star.

In 1920, the Order without surrounded laurel wreath was abolish for all the ranks, instead the Military Medal was created to recognize distinguished service rendered to Spain. Since then, the Order has consisted of the badge superposed upon a green laurel wreath, known as Laureate Cross, rewarding in recognition of heroism and courage.

In 1931, the Order was modified by the Second Spanish Republic, however these changes were abolished by Francisco Franco in 1937, and the Order was re-instituted in 1949.

Currently, the Order is awarded to Spanish military personnel, individuals or collectives, in recognition of meritorious acts of heroism and courage displaying in the defense of Spain. It is the first military order establishing in Spain, and it is the highest military award in the country.

The Order features an obverse inscription that translates to “To Military Merit,” and a reverse inscription that translates to "The Fatherland."

The Order is classified into three types based on the grade's changes. Type I includes the original grades of 1811 to 1815; Type II contains the grades between 1815-1920; and Type III consists of the awards after 1920.

In Type I, the Order was awarded mainly to military personnel who taking part of the Peninsular War. It consisted of Grand Cross, Gold Cross, and Silver Cross. The Grand Cross was conferred upon Generals and Chiefs, the Gold Cross was awarded to Officers, while the Silver Cross was awarded to the troops and enlisted men.

The Grand Cross consisted of a laureate Grand Cross Breast Star, and a sash ribbon with a laureate badge.

The first recipient known, besides King Ferdinand VII and his two heirs, was Lord Arthur Wellington on April 11, 1812.

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Versions

  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: AL MERITO MILITAR Rev: LA PATRIA

  • Size

    32mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

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