Grand Cross Set of the Order. Sash Badge, 107x78 mm., GOLD, with six white enameled fleur de lys flanked by polished, golden rays, centre medallion with enameled image of the saint in armour on polished ground, within blue enameled outer circlet bearing the Order’s motto “FIDEI ET MERITO” in golden lettering, reverse medallion with blue enameled inscription “FERD: IV. INST. ANNO 1800” on golden ground, within blue enameled outer circlet bearing six golden quatrefoils, typical, upper Royal crown fixed by means of rivets and strong, double, round suspension ring, with original, full-sash ribbon with bow. Breast Star, 76x74 mm., Silver, with six chiselled and pierced rays, alternated by six fleurs-de-lys also finely chiselled and pierced, with a beautiful effect of brightness and “frosted”, opaque details, centre medallion in gold with applied, enameled image of the crowned St. Ferdinand in armour and Royal robes, holding a sword and a green enameled wreath, blue enameled outer circlet with applied motto “FIDEI ET MERITO” in chiselled gold and laurel branches, jointed by a flower, diamond-chiselled outer border, also made of gold, bright-polished reverse, with concave round counter medallion, broad, vertical pin; in the original, octagonal, red morocco case with fitted inner compartment with gold embossed ornaments on the lid.
An extraordinary and very rare, early set of the Order, with a lavishly- made breast star; excellent condition. I RR!