A reduced size Badge of the Order in Gold: oval medallion made as a wreath of roses, leaves and scrolls, tied as an upper bow, surmounted by a seraphim’s head; below, a blue enameled scroll with motto “PAUPERUM SOLATIO” in gold lettering; an inner laurel wreath enclosing the centre medallion in gold and white enameled details with applied, polychrome enameled scene of Saint Isabel handing alms to a beggar; the reverse with oval medallion with gold royal cipher on white enameled field, and a blue enameled scroll below bearing the date “MDCCCI” in gold, roman numerals; blue enameled outer circlet with inscription “REAL ORDEM DE SANTA ISABEL”; large, crown suspension with red and green enameled “jewels” and red enameled inner cap; gold suspension ring, through the upper orb, and original silk ribbon, tied as a bow, with a gilt silver oval, horizontal plaque, fitted with pin for suspension; in the original, red morocco fitted case of issue, the lid with ornaments and the crowned cypher “D. C. I.” embossed in gold.
A very rare and early, lavishly-made badge of this high order, of the first part of the 19th century, limited to 26 living ladies of the highest nobility, as a reward to their continuous and meritorious assistance to orphans and poor people; extremely fine condition.
Dim.: 67,0 x 39, 0 mm (incl. crown suspension). I RR!