Updated: 09 November, 2001

Medals of Spain

This listing has been compiled mainly for ribbon collectors and is designed to be used as a checklist. Care has been taken to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible, and I welcome comments concerning errors that readers may find. It should also be kept in mind that even authors can't agree on the exact date of the establishment of some awards. This is particularly so in the case of the earlier awards where dates could vary by a few years. Where there are huge differences in dates, I have made an appropriate comment.

 Over time, the Insignias, Badges and Stars of some of the Orders have been slightly modified, therefore in some cases there are many variations of the same award. For most Spanish Orders, the 1st Class is the lowest and the 5th Class is the highest. During the reign of Joseph Bonaparte (1808-1815), with the exception of the Order of the Golden Fleece, all Spanish Orders were abolished.  The listing has been compiled by date of creation and not that of precedence. The list is divided into four sections as follows:

My main reference has been Spanish Orders of Chivalry and Decorations of Honour by Harrold E. Gillingham. (Jean-Paul LeBlanc, CD 1 May 97)


Spanish Orders 

  1. Order of the Oak of Navarre (722)
  2. Order of the Lily of Navarre (1048) Also known as Order of Saint Mary of the Lily.
  3. Order of Saint Saviour (1118) Also known as Order of Aragon, and Saint Sauveur de  Montreal.
  4. Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem (1118) Merika only author to mention this Order for Spain.
  5. Order of the Battle Axe (1149) Also known as The Order of the hatchet.
  6.  Military Order of Calatrava (1158) Bright red watered silk ribbon. One Class - chevaliers. In 1219, the Ladies' Order of Calatrava was instituted
  7. The Order of St. James in Galicia (Compostella) (1160) Red ribbon.
  8. Military Order of St. James of the Sword (1170) Bright red watered silk ribbon. It appears this may have been a reorganization of the Order of Santiago which was established more than a century before. Portugal has an Order of St. James of the Sword.
  9. Military Order of Alcantara (1176) Green ribbon. Also known as St. Julian de Pereyro. One Class - chevaliers.
  10. Order of St. George d'Alfama (1201) United to the Order of our Lady of Montesat in 1399.
  11.  Order of Jesus Christ (1206) Red Ribbon. Originally founded in France and revived in Spain under the influence of the Church, and combined with the Papal Order of St. Peter the Martyr. Also known as the Order of the Militia of St. Dominic, the Militia of St. Dominic, Order of the Cross of Jesus Christ and Order of St. Peter and St. Dominic.
  12. Order of our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Toledo (1212)
  13. Order of our Lady of Mercy (1218) It was combined with the Order of Montesa in 1317, and these two, later, with the Order of Calatrava.
  14. Order of Truxillo (1227)
  15. Order of Concord (1261)
  16. Military Order of our Lady of Montesa (1316 or 1317) Red ribbon. Also known as Order of St. George since in 1399, the order of St. George of Alfama (1201) was incorporated into this order.
  17. Order of the Band or Scarf (1332)
  18. Order of the Holy Spirit (1390) Also known as the Order of the Dove and Order of the Holy Ghost. Neville says founded in 1379.
  19. Order of the Lily of Aragon (1403) Favine gives the date as 1410, and calls it the Order of the Looking Glass of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Castile.
  20. Order of the Star (1416-1458 period)
  21. Order of Escama or the Scale (1420)
  22. Order of the Golden Fleece (1429) Bright red ribbon (Crimson moire 30mm). Founded in Bruges, Belgium. The order is claimed by both Spain and Austria.
  23. Order of Charles III (1771) Light blue with a white band in the centre. Also known as the Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III or of the Immaculate Conception. 5 Classes:
    • Grand Cross

    • Commander 1st Class

    • Commander 2nd Class

    • Officer

    • Chevalier

    Re-established in 1814 ( in 5 Classes?).

    Re-established in 1942 in 5 Classes:

    • Grand Cross with Collar - Light blue sash with narrow white border stripes.

    • Grand Cross - Light blue moire sash with a wide white centre stripe.

    • Commander by number - Same ribbon as Grand Cross (neck).

    • Commander - Same ribbon (neck).

    • Knights - Same ribbon as Grand Cross (ribbon).

  24. Royal Order of Maria Louisa (1792) Violet with a centre band of white. One class only and conferred on ladies only. Neville describes ribbon as White bordered on each side with lilac.
  25. Royal Order of Spain (1809) Bright red ribbon. Also known as the Royal Spanish Order of Joseph Bonaparte. Three classes:
    • Grand Cross

    • Commander

    • Chevalier

  26. Royal and Military Order of Saint Ferdinand (1811/1815) Bright red with a yellow Five Classes. There are several variations of the Order. stripe each side. According to Neville, the yellow stripe in the ribbon is actually orange.
  27.  Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegildo (1814) White with a carmine band. Three Classes:
    • Grand cross in the centre.

    • Knight 1st Class

    • Knight 2nd Class

  28. Original ribbon was violet with two white stripes.
  29. Order of Isabella the Catholic (1815) White with broad yellow lateral stripes. Also known as The Royal American Order. Five Classes:
    • Grand Cross

    • Commander with plaque

    • Commander

    • Chevalier

    • - Chevalier of the Silver Cross

    A 6th Class was added in 1907 as follows:

    • Silver Medal

    • Bronze Medal

    Reestablished in 1938 in 5 Classes:

    • Grand Cross with Collar - Yellow moire with narrow white stripes toward each edge.

    • Grand Cross - White moire with wide yellow stripes toward each edge.

    • Commander by number - Same ribbon as Grand Cross (neck).

    • Commander - Same ribbon (neck).

    • Knights - Same ribbon as Grand Cross (ribbon). 

    According to Neville, the ribbon is white and orange, the exact compositon of which depends upon the grade.

  30. Order of Maria Isabella Louisa or Isabella II (1833) Light blue moire. For officers in gold, for others in silver.
  31. The Civil Order of Mercy (1856) Also know as Civil Order of Charity and the Order of Beneficencia. It is an extension of the Epidemic Cross of 1838. Comes in 4 Divisions with each division having 4 classes as follows:

    1st Division - Service for Public Health with risk of life:

    • Grand cross - Violet with black border stripes (sash).

    • Cross 1st Class

    • Cross 2nd Class - Violet with black border stripes (neck).

    • Cross 3rd Class - Violet with black border stripes (ribbon).

     2nd Division - Service for Public Health:

    • Grand cross - Purple with white border stripes (sash).

    • Cross 1st Class

    • Cross 2nd Class - Purple with white border stripes (neck).

    • Cross 3rd Class - Purple with white border stripes (ribbon).

     3rd Division - Charitable Services at personal risk:

    • Grand cross - White with black border stripes (sash).

    • Cross 1st Class

    • Cross 2nd Class - White with black border stripes (neck).

    • Cross 3rd Class - White with black border stripes (ribbon).

     4th Division - Outstanding acts of mercy:

    • Grand cross - Plain white ribbon (sash).

    • Cross 1st Class

    • Cross 2nd Class - Plain white ribbon (neck).

    • Cross 3rd Class - Plain white ribbon (ribbon).

  32. The Red Cross (1864) Three Classes:
    • the Plaque of Honour and Merit

    • the Medal of Gold (Worn suspended from a neck ribbon of white with a wide red stripe in the centre)

    • the Silver Medal (Worn with a white ribbon with wide red stripe in the centre)

  33. The Military Order of Merit (1864) Consists of 2 Divisions. Each Division has 4 Classes, whose order of sequence is the reverse of that normally employed for orders.

    For War Service:

    • 1st Class - Red with a white centre stripe (ribbon).

    • 2nd Class

    • 3rd Class

    • 4th Class or Grand Cross - Red with a white centre stripe (sash).

     Military Services in general:

    • 1st Class - White with red centre stripe (ribbon).

    • 2nd Class

    • 3rd Class

    • 4th Class or Grand Cross - White with red centre stripe (sash).

    There is also a Silver Cross (1868) attached to the Order and is worn on a chest ribbon of the Order according to the Division.

  34.  Order of Naval Merit (1866) Consists of 2 Divisions. Each Division has 4 Classes, whose order of sequence is the reverse of that normally employed for orders.

    For War Service:

    • 1st Class - Yellow with wide red edges (ribbon).

    • 2nd Class

    • 3rd Class

    • 4th Class or Grand Cross - Yellow with wide red edges (sash).

     Naval Services in general:

    • 1st Class - Yellow with wide red edges (ribbon).

    • 2nd Class

    • 3rd Class

    • 4th Class or Grand Cross - Yellow with wide red edges (sash).

    There is also a Silver Cross (1866) attached to the Order and is worn on a chest ribbon of the Order. According to Gillingham, the the war service ribbon is red with a broad yellow stripe in the centre, while the ribbon for general service is white with a blue stripe in the centre.

  35.  Order of Love (1870) Merika is the only author to mention this Order to Spain.
  36.  Civil Order of Maria Victoria (1871) Very rare and in 3 Classes as follows:
    • Grand Cross

    • Commander - neck ribbon.

    • Chevaliers - chest ribbon.

     Ribbons as follows:

    • Medicine - Yellow ribbon.

    • Theology - White ribbon.

    • Law - Red ribbon.

    • Pharmacy - Dark purple ribbon.

    • Philosophy, literature and diplomacy - Sky blue ribbon.

    • Physics and chemistry - Dark blue ribbon.

    • Arts and Education - Black ribbon.

    • Architecture and Public Works - Dark blue and pink ribbon.

    • Mining - Dark blue and purple ribbon.

    • Shipbuilding - Black and sea green ribbon.

    • General education - White and green ribbon.

    According to Cuomo, there are 13 varieties of the ribbon depending on the nature of the award.

  37. Royal and Military Order of Maria Christina (1889) Red and yellow with a white stripe on each side and carmine edges. Awarded as follows: 
    • Gold For General /Colonels

    • Silver/Gold For Majors/LCols

    • Bronze/Gold Junior Officers/Enlisted men

  38. Naval Order of Maria Christina (1890) Red and yellow with a white stripe on each side and carmine edges. In four classes. 
  39. Civil Order of Alphonso XII (1902) Violet (Purple) ribbon. Replaced by the Order of Alphonso the Wise in 1939. Three Classes:
    • Grand Cross

    • Commander (wears a violet rosette on the ribbon)

    • Chevalier

  40. Order of Agricultural Merit (1905) In 3 Classes:
    • Gold Green ribbon.

    • Silver Green ribbon and silver ribbon.

    • Copper Green knot of ribbon, according to the nature of the award.

  41. Re-established in 1942 in 4 Classes, the 2nd Class being divided into degrees:
    • 1st Class - Grand cross - Green moire ribbon (sash).

    • 2nd Class - Commander by Number

    • 2nd Class - Commander - Green moire ribbon (neck).

    • 3rd Class - Knight - Green moire ribbon (ribbon)

  42. Attached to the Order is The Merito Agricola Medal (1942) and is worn suspended from the ribbon of the Order.
  43. Order of Public health (1922) Orange with black stripe towards each edge. In 4 Classes.
  44. Order of Civil Merit (1926) Re-established in 1931 and again in 1942. Comes in 6 Classes as follows:
    • Knight with Collar - Blue with narrow white border stripes (sash).

    • Grand Cross - Blue with a narrow white centre stripe (sash).

    • Commander by Number

    • Commander - Blue with a narrow white centre stripe (neck).

    • Officer - Blue with a narrow white centre stripe (ribbon).

    • Knight - Blue with a narrow white centre stripe (ribbon).

  45. The Silver Cross of Merit is attached to the Order and is suspended from the ribbon of the Order.
  46. 42. Order of Merit of the Spanish republic (1933) Merika is the only author to mention this Order.
  47. 43. The Grand Imperial Order of the Red Arrows (1937) Also known as The Yoke and Arrows Order. In 5 Classes:
    • Grand Collar

    • Grand Cross - Red with a wide black centre stripe (sash).

    • Commander with Star - Red with a wide black centre stripe (neck).

    • Commander - Red with a wide black centre stripe (neck).

    • Medal - Red with a wide black centre stripe (ribbon).

  48. Order of Alphonso the Wise (1939) Replaced the Civil Order of Alfonso X (1902). In 3 Classes, the 1st and 2nd Classes each being divided into two degrees as follows:
    • 1st Class - Collar

    • 1st Class - Grand Cross - Plain red ribbon (sash).

    • 2nd Class - Commander with Star - Plain red ribbon (neck).

    • 2nd Class - Commander - Plain red ribbon (neck).

    • 3rd Class - Cross - Plain red ribbon (ribbon).

    Attached to the Order is The Medal of Alphonso X, the Wise. It has one class (gold) and is worn on the chest ribbon of the Order.

  49. The Civil Order of Health (1943) In 3 Classes with the 2nd Class being divided into two degrees:
    • Grand Cross - Yellow with black border stripes (sash).

    • Commander with Star - Yellow with black border stripes (neck).

    • Commander - Yellow with black border stripes (neck)

    • Cross - Yellow with black border stripes (ribbon).

  50. Order of Cisneros (1944) Maroon ribbon.
  51. Order of the Cross of Saint Raymond of Penafort (1944) In 5 Classes:
    • Grand Cross - Crimson with narrow blue selvedges (sash).

    • Cross of Honour

    • Cross of Distinction, 1st Class - Same ribbon as Grand Cross (neck).

    • Cross of Distinction, 2nd Class - Same ribbon as Grand cross (neck).

    • Cross - Same ribbon as Grand Cross (ribbon worn in triangular fashion).

  52. The San Raimundo de Penafort Medal is also attached to the Order and worn on the chest ribbon of the order. It has four degrees:
    • Gold with enamel

    • Silver with enamel

    • Bronze with enamel

    • Pure Bronze

  53. The Air Force Order of Merit (1945) Consists of 2 Divisions. Each Division has 3 Classes, whose order of sequence is the reverse of that normally employed for orders.
  54. For War Service:
    • 1st Class - Red with a white centre stripe (ribbon).

    • 2nd Class

    • 3rd Class or Grand Cross - Red with a white centre stripe (sash).

    For Aeronautical Services in general:

    • 1st Class - White with red border stripes (ribbon).

    • 2nd Class

    • -rd Class or Grand Cross - White with red border stripes (sash).

  55. There is also a Silver Cross (1945) attached to the Order and is worn on a chest ribbon of the Order according to the Division.

  56. Order of Postal Merit (1960) Gold moire with wide bands of red on One Class. Also a Gold and Silver Medal each side.

    Spanish Colonial Orders

  57. Order of Mehdauis (1926) Green with white stripe in centre. For Moroco in 4 Classes

  58. Civil Order of Africa (1933) Renamed Order of Africa in 1950. 5 Classes:
    •  Grand Officer - Green with red border stripes (sash).

    • Commander with Star

    • Commander - Green with red border stripes (neck).

    • Officer - Green with red border stripes (ribbon).

    • Silver Medal - Green with red border stripes (ribbon).

  59. Military Order of Loyalty (1946) Red with narrow centre stripe of green. For Morocco in one class
  60. Order of Hasania (1949) Equal stripes of red, green and red. For Morocco in 5 Classes

    Spanish Medals

  61. Medal for Bailen, 1808 (1808) Red with a yellow stripe in the centre.
  62. Northern Campaign of 1809 Red with black stripes at the sides.
  63. Defence of Gerona, 1809 (1810) Red ribbon.
  64. Cross of St. George for Junta of Catalonia (1810) Red ribbon.
  65. Cross for Talavera, 1809 (1810) Half red and half black ribbon.
  66. Medal for Bagur and Palamos, 1810 Described by Tancred, but no official Spanish authority mentions this medal or its ribbon.
  67. Cross for Lerin (1811) Green watered silk ribbon. Officers were awarded this cross, and the privates received a bronze medal.
  68. Medal for First Army, 1811 (1811) White with red squares woven therein.
  69. Cross for First Army Half red and half purple ribbon. Mentioned by Perrot and Trost but not confirmed by other writers.
  70. Cross for First Army 1813-1814 Red with four green stripes.
  71. Cross for Army of Andalusia (1814) Orange-yellow edged with blue. Gold for officers and bronze for soldiers.
  72. Cross for San Marcial, 1813 (1814) Half violet and half red ribbon. Gold for officers and bronze for soldiers. Described by Perrot and by an Italian authority.
  73. Cross for Valencay, 1808 (1814) Violet.
  74. Cross for Adherents of the King (1814) Bright red.
  75. Medal of Suffering for the Country (1814) Yellow with narrow green stripes at each Awarded as follows: side for those captured; and for the - Gold Officers/cadets wounded a red cross is embroidered on the - Silver Others ribbon.
  76. Cross for Saragossa 1808-1809 (1814) Yellow with four narrow red stripes. Gold for Officers and Bronze for the soldiers. Don Jose Velasco Duenas, writing in 1843, says the cross for the first siege of the city in 1808 was founded March 25, 1817 and that the ribbon is light blue with two narrow stripes of red and two of yellow on either side.
  77. Cross for Cuidad-Rodrigo, 1810 (1814) Violet ribbon. Gold for officers and silver for privates.
  78. Cross for Civilians in France (1815) Green with a white stripe on each side.
  79. Medal for Victims of May 2, 1808 (1815) Black moire silk.
  80. Cross for Cabinet Couriers (1815) Green with a red stripe in the centre.
  81. Cross for Alcolea, 1808 (1815) Green ribbon. Gold for officers and silver for the privates.
  82. Cross for Portugal,1808 (1815) White with blue edges.
  83. Cross for Valls in Catalonia, 1809 (1815) White with four narrow red stripes.
  84. Cross for Asturian Army, 1808 (1815) Half red and half yellow.
  85. Cross for Alcaniz, 1809 (1815) Red ribbon.
  86. Medal for Tarancon, 1808 (1815) Red ribbon. Awarded in gold to officers, in silver to junior officers and in bronze to the privates.
  87. Medal for Tamames, 1809 (1815) Blue with a red stripe each side.
  88. Cross for Astorga, 1810 (1815) Half blue and half white ribbon. Gold for Officers and silver for privates.
  89. Cross of Estramadura, 1810 (1815) White with three narrow blue stripes, one each side and one in the centre.
  90. Cross for Albuhera, 1811 (1815) Red with equal bands of blue and black on either edge.
  91. Cross for Chiclana, 1811 (1815) Green with a narrow yellow stripe each side.
  92. Medal for Medina del Campo, 1809 (1815) White with a green band each side.
  93. Cross for Second Army for Murcia (1815) Green with white edges.
  94. Cross of Third Army for Leon and Cadiz (1815) White with diamonds of green.
  95. Cross for Seventh Army (1815) Green with a white stripe each side.
  96. Cross for Utiel, 1812 (1815) White with a wide yellow stripe in the centre.
  97. Defence of Tarifa, 1811 (1815) Blue with an orange stripe each side. Gold for officers and silver for privates and sailors.
  98. Cross for Army of Izquierda, 1811 (1815) Red with a gold stripe each side.
  99. Cross for Tarragona, 1811 (1815) Red ribbon.
  100. Cross for Recovery of Seville, 1812 (1815) Equal stripes of black, red and blue. Gold for officers and bronze for privates.
  101. Cross for Pamplona, 1813 (1815) Red, edged with yellow.
  102. Cross for Vitoria, 1813 (1815) Equal blue, red and black stripes.
  103. Cross for ordal, 1813 (1815) Violet with yellow edges.
  104. Cross of Merit for San Lorenzo del Puntal (1815) Green ribbon. This cross was awarded to the officers, and a medal like the obverse medallion was given to the men.
  105. Cross for Tolosa, 1814 (1815) Blue with yellow borders.
  106. Decoration for the Council of the Mesta (1816) Purple with a white stripe each side.
  107. Cross for Cartagena de las Indias, 1814 (1816) Three equal stripes of green, red, Gold for officers and silver for privates. green.
  108. Cross for the majorca Division (1816) Red ribbon.
  109. Cross for Castalla, 1813 (1816) ellow ribbon.
  110. Cross for Bubierca, 1808 (1816) Yellow ribbon.
  111. Cross for the Navy, 1808 (1816) Red with a yellow stripe in the centre. Gold for the Officers and silver for the sailors.
  112. Cross for Menjibar, July16, 1808 (1816) Blue with a red stripe each side.
  113. Cross for Almonacid, 1809 (1816) Green with narrow white stripes at the sides.
  114. Cross for Aranjuez, 1809 (1816) Blue with white stripes at the sides.
  115. Medal for Lucena, 1810 (1816) Green, edged with red.
  116. Cross for Sappers at Alcala de Henares, 1808 (1817) Bright red.
  117. Cross for Madrid, 1808 (1817) Bright red with a white stripe each side.
  118. Order of Castello de Ampurias, 1809 (1817) Dark blue ribbon.
  119. Cross for Mora and Consuegra, 1809 (1817) Plain white ribbon.
  120. Cross for Lugo or Of Villafranca, 1809 (1817) White with green edges. Gold for officers and bronze for privates.
  121. Cross for Abisbal, San Feliu and Palamos, 1810 (1817) Light blue with diagonal narrow white stripes crossed to form a lattice-work pattern.
  122. Cross for Arroyo-Molinos, 1811 (1817) White with two narrow purple stripes each side.
  123. Cross of Madrid, 1818 Blue, edged with white ribbon. Perrot and Padiglione mention this decoration but no date has been found for its origin.
  124. Cross for Pronincial Junta, 1808 (1818) Five equal stripes, one of black in the centre, two of red ajacent, and white at the edges.
  125. Cross for Rosas, 1808 (1821) Dark green edged with rose.
  126. Military Cross of Fidelity (1824) Three equal stripes, two of red at the sides Awarded in Gold, Silver and Bronze and one of yellow in the centre.
  127. Medal for Epidemics (1829) Half red and half yellow ribbon. Awarded for Manila 1820, Canaries 1811, Gibraltar 1928 and Cadiz 1819/1820. In 1838, the medal was altered by substituting the bust of Isabella II on the obverse and the inscription on the reverse being changed accordingly. The ribbon was changed to half black and half purple.
  128. Medal for July 7, 1822 Wide violet stripe, edged on either side with narrow red and yellow stripes.
  129. Cross for the Fire of 1823 (1823) Bright red, edged with white.
  130. Cross for Valencia, 1823 (1823) Yellow with three red stripes. On November 11, 1836, this decoration was again authorized by the government to reward those defending the cause of Isabella II during the Carlist troubles of that year.
  131. Medal for Villar de Ciervos, 1823 Half white and half red ribbon.
  132. Medal for Tarifa, 1824 Three equal stripes of green (left), yellow (centre) and violet (right).
  133. Medal for Defence of Vergara, 1834 Light blue ribbon.
  134. Cross for Bilbao, 1835 Red with a narrow blue band each side.
  135. Cross for Mendigorria, 1835 Crimson ribbon.
  136. Cross for St. Sebastian, 1836 Dark blue with a yellow stripe each side. Mentioned by Elvin, but not confirmed by any Spanish authority.
  137. Cross of Cadiz, 1823 (1836) Blue, edged with red.
  138. Cross for National Militia, 1823 (1836) Similar to the Cross of Cadiz (see no. 107)
  139. Cross for Cantavieja, 1836 (1837) Ribbon is dark green, edged with red.
  140. Cross for Liberators of Bilbao, 1836 (1937) Three equal stripes of green, yellow, green. Gold for Officers, Silver for the men..
  141. Cross for the Defenders of Bilbao, 1836 (1837) Three equal stripes of yellow, green, yellow.
  142. Cross for Cuenca, 1823 (1837) Blue with two wide white stripes and Silver medals were also awarded by narrow violet edges. Cortez on August 4, 1823, to the defenders of the Constitution of the cities of Sallent, Perrera and Santa Coloma de Queralt, but no description thereof is obtainable.
  143. Medal for Chiva, 1837 Orange with a blue stripe at either side. Gold for Officers, Silver for the men.
  144. Cross for 1837 Padiglioni, an Italian writer, is the sole authority for this decoration.
  145. Cross for Saragossa, 1838 Blue, edged with black.
  146. Cross for Vargas, 1833 (1838) Equal stripes of orange and violet, , with a narrow white stripe in the centre.
  147. Cross for Penacerrada, 1838 Three equal stripes of red, black and red.
  148. Cross for the Siege of Solsona, 1838 Three equal stripes, red in the centre and Gold for Officers, Silver for the men. black on the sides, edged with red.
  149. Cross for Baeza, Ubeda and Castril, 1838 (1839) Diagonal bands of black and red, Gold for Officers, Silver for the men. with a narrow black and red edge.
  150. Medal for Peracamps, 1840 Bright red ribbon. Gold for Officers, Bronze for the men.
  151. Cross for Morella, 1840 Red, edged with white.
  152. Cross for Chiva, 1836 (1840) Green with a red stripe each side.
  153. Cross for Cheste, 1838 (1841) White with a narrow green band at the sides.
  154. Cross for Iniesta, 1838 (1841) White with wide green bands each side.
  155. Cross of September 1, 1840 (1841) Three equal stripes of green, yellow and red.
  156. Cross for Civil Valor (1841) Red with a narrow black stripe each side.
  157. Medal for madrid October 7, 1841 Red with two white stripes each side.
  158. Medal for Pamplona, 1841 Light blue, with a narrow yellow stripe on each side.
  159. Cross for Castile, 1841 Equal stripes of white and black, the black being to the right.
  160. Cross for Aragon, 1841 Equal stripes of white and black, the black being to the right.
  161. Cross for Guipuzcoa, 1841 Equal stripes of white and black, the black being to the right.
  162. Cross for the Justices of madrid, 1840-41 (1842) Green with a narrow red stripe each side.
  163. Medal for Cadiz, 1841 (1842) A stripe of yellow edged with red on the left, and of red edged with yellow on the right.
  164. Cross for Caspuenas and Brihuega, 1823 (1842) Red with a narrow white stripe in the centre.
  165. Cross for Prisoners, 1823 (1842) Black with red and yellow stripes at the edges.
  166. Cross for St. Maria del Hort, 1836 (1842) The ribbon has narrow stripes of red at the edges, and equal stripes of white separated by one of black.
  167. Cross for Saragossa, 1833-1835 (1842) The centre of the ribbon is of horizontal lines of red and white of equal width, with perpendicular stripes of blue and white at either side.
  168. Medal for San Sebastian, 1836 (1842) Dark blue with a yellow stripe each side.
  169. Medal for Segovia, 1837 (1842) White edged with narrow yellow and red bands of equal width, the yellow being outermost.
  170. Cross for Gra, 1837 (1843) Black with two narrow white stripes in the centre.
  171. Cross for Tales, 1839 (1843) Blue with three red stripes.
  172. Cross for Olmedilla, 1840 (1843) Blue with 2 wide white stripes at the sides.
  173. Cross of July, 1843 Sculfort, a French writer, gives a short account of this cross, but no other authority mentions it.
  174. Medal of Isabella II - Three equal stripes, yellow in the centre and red at the sides. No Spanish authority has been found for the issuance of this medal, though Gillingham has two specimens in his collection.
  175. Medal for Morocco, 1860 Red ribbon. No Spanish authority has been found for this medal. Gillingham has one of silver and one of white metal in his collection. It is also mentioned by Cuomo and Sculfort.
  176. Medal for 1862 Green with a white stripe in the centre. Only source of information is a description from Sculfort. The medal is part of the collection at the musee de l'Armee in Paris.
  177. Medal for Volunteers in Cuba, 1871 Seven alternate stripes of maroon and Another medal of silver, but without the orange. Crown, has a ribbon of three equal stripes, purple, white and purple; while still another with the crown, but different inscription has a ribbon similar to the first (7 alternate stripes of maroon and orange).
  178. Medal for Volunteers in Porto Rico Red with a wide yellow stripe in the centre.
  179. Cross for Civil Guard of Madrid, 1870-1873
  180. Medal for Carraca, 1873 Green with red edges.
  181. Medal for Cuba, 1868-1878 (1873) Red with a narrow black stripe in the Narrow silver Bars are worn on the centre. ribbon showing the number of years in service.
  182. Medal for Bilbao, 1874 Red with a yellow stripe in the centre. Bars are worn on the ribbon for the several actions. Onton, Montano, Abanto and Munecas-Galdames.
  183. Medal of City of Bilbao, 1874 Red edged with yellow. Sculfort is the only authority who mentions this medal.
  184. Medal for Puigcerda, 1874 Half red and half yellow.
  185. Medal for Teruel, 1874 Half yellow and half red.
  186. Medal of Cervera, 1875 - Mentioned by Sosa.
  187. Medal of Alphonso XII (1875) Yellow with two narrow red stripes. Bars are worn on the ribbon, signifying the engagements in which the recipient took part.
  188. Medal for Civil War of 1873-1874 (1876) Red with a narrow yellow stripe in the Bars were issued for the various engagements. Those for the Navy were: Cantabria, Cadiz and Mediterraneo.
  189. Medal of Madrid, 1876 Half red and half yellow. No authority has been found for its creation.
  190. Medal for Jolo, 1876  - Three red and two yellow vertical stripes equal in width.
  191. Medal for Cuban Volunteers, 1868-1878 (1882) Red, with a yellow stripe in the centre. Bars denote years of service such as 10 Anos de Servicio.
  192. Medal for Mindanao (1895) Yellow with two green lateral stripes. Bars were given showing the years of service.
  193. Medal for Volunteers in Philippines, 1897 Half red with yellow borders. Sculfort is the only authority to describe this medal.
  194. Medal for Luzon, 1896-1897 (1898) Half yellow and half red.
  195. Medal for Philippines, 1896-1898 (1898) Four red and four yellow stripes. Bars denoted various engagements.
  196. Medal for Cuba, 1895-1898 (1899) Five equal stripes of purple and four of Bars denote engagements, such as red. Santiago de Cuba.
  197. Medal for Cuban Volunteers, 1895-1898 (1899) Five equal stripes of purple and four of red.
  198. Medal of Alphonso XIII (1902) Red ribbon. Awarded in Gold, Silver and Bronze.
  199. Medal of Maria Christina or of the Regency (1903) Blue with a wide red stripe in Awarded in Silver and Bronze. the centre.
  200. Medal of Melilla, 1909, 1911 and 1912 Yellow with a red stripe each side. Awarded in Silver or Bronze. Bars are awarded as follows: Sidi-Hamet-el Hach, Gurugu, Quebdana, Taxdirt-Hidum-Zoco el Had, Nador Zeluan-Zoco el Gemis, Atlaten, Penon-Alhucemas, Kert, Garet de Beni-bu-Yahi, Beni-bu-Gafar y Beni-Sidel.
  201. Medal for Africa, 1911 (1912) Yellow and red, edged with green. Bars are issued as follows: Casablanca, Larache, Larache-Alcazar and Ceuta.
  202. Military Medal (1918) White edged with yellow. In the centre are In case of a second award, an oxidized the national colours - one yellow stripe in iron bar is added to the ribbon. the centre, and red each side.
  203. Medal of the Somatenes of Cataluna, 1918 Purple ribbon. Also known as The Medal of Constancy. Bars are issued to denote length of service.
  204. Cross for Aeronautical Merit (1945) Red with a white centre stripe for war In 3 Classes and a Silver Cross in 2 Divisions services; white with red side stripes for other services.

    Carlist Medals

  205. Don Carlos VII authorized medals and decorations for his adherents. No Spanish authority has been found for these, but Elvin does mention several of these awards. Some of the descriptions are taken from the pieces themselves. Some writers class these awards as Spanish, although they are not official.
  206. Cross for Villar de Los Navarros, 1837 Violet with two white stripes at either side.
  207. Cross for Huesca, 1837 Yellow with three violet stripes at either side.
  208. Medal for Montejurra, 1873 Red ribbon. Padiglione and Sculfort are the only writers who mention this medal, and no Spanish authority for its foundation has been found.
  209. Cross of Carlos VII (1874) Yellow with red edges. Awarded to Officers.
  210. Medal of Carlos VII (1874) Yellow with red edges. Awarded to the troops.
  211. Carlist Order of Charity (1874) White with a black stripe at either side. The Order is not recognized in Spain and is not allowed in official dress.
  212. Medal for Vizcaya, 1874 - Described by Sculfort and Padiglione only. Gillingham has a specimen in his collection.

Bibliography

 Raffaele Cuomo. Ordini Cavallereschi antichi e moderni. Naples, 1894. 2 Vols.

H. Taprell Dorling. Ribbons and Medals. Osprey. London, 1983.

C.N. Elvin. Handbook of the Orders of Chilvary. London, 1893.

Andrew Favine. The Theatre of Honor and Knighthood. . .Written in French. . .MDCXX. London, 1623.

Harrold E. Gillingham. Spanish Orders of Chivalry and Decorations of Honour. The American Numismatic Society. New York, 1926.

Paul Hieronymussen. Orders, Medals and Decorations of Britain and Europe. Blandford Press. London, 1967.

Vaclav Mericka. The Book of Orders and decorations. Hamlyn. London, 1975.

D.G. Neville. A History of the Early Orders of Knighthood and Chivalry. Surrey, 1978.

Comm. Carlo Padiglione. Motti degli Ordini Cavallereschi, delle Medaglie e Croci decorative, etc. Naples, 1907.

A.-M. Perrot. Collection Historique des Ordres de Chevalerie. Paris, 1820.

Lieut. V. Sculfort. Decorations, Medailles, Monaies et Cachets du Musee de l'Armee. Paris, 1912.

Julian Sosa. Condecorationes Militares y Civiles de Espana. Madrid,1913-1915. 3 Vols.

George Tancred. Historial Record of Medals and Honorary Distinctions, conferred on the British Army, Navy and Auxiliary Forces. London, 1891.

L.J. Trost. Die Ritter und Verdienst-Orden, Ehrenziechen und Medaillen aler Souverane und Staaten seit Beginn des XIX Jahrhunderts.

Robert Werlich. Orders and Decorations of all nations, Ancient and Modern Civil and Military. Washington, 1974.

 

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