A Grand Cross set of the Order: Sash Badge in 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 with six chiseled and pierced rays, alternated by six fleurs-de-lys also finely chiseled 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 chiseled gold and laurel branches, jointed by a flower; diamond-chiseled 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.
Dim.: the badge 107x78 mm, the star 74x76 mm. I RR!