#1 - Spain Military Order of Saint Ferdinand Breast Star VERIFICATION

[Linasl]

Greetings. I have just purchased four old Spain Orders which were apparently awarded to a single French Officer of the "Etat Major de la Marine Française" during the French Second Empire while serving in Spain during the époque of the Spanish Queen Isabelle II (the Catholic). Even though I know the dealer somewhat, I would like to verify his information and obtain more, if possible, because I know very little of these type of Orders, which are far from my primary area of collecting French medals. They are beautiful, thus my interest in purchasing them.

The first is what I was told is the Spain Military Order of Saint Ferdinand Breast Star. I attached a low-resolution photo to this posting, but have a high-resolution on PhotoBucket at the following link:

http://s752.photobuc...20and%20Medals/

Look at medal #1

The information the seller provided me includes :

The Breast Star was instituted on 10 July 1815, by King Ferdinand VII after the defeat of Napoleon I. It was awarded to Officers and soldiers for exceptional military service within the army and navy. This Order was also bestowed upon French Expeditionary Corps Officers in 1823 in the battle for Trocadéro. The dealer claimed that this Breast Star is VERY RARE. It is Silver and enamel, measures about 56mm and weighs about 20 grams.

What I would like to know, if possible, are a number of things:

1. based on the photo, does it appear to be ORIGINAL?

2. does the information the seller provided by sound correct?

3. when was it discontinued?

4. who was eligible to receive it (military / civil), and for what purpose/deed?

5. assuming this is ORIGINAL, would it be considered RARE (how many were awarded – even an estimate would suffice)?

6. what would you estimate is the value of this Breast Star (just to give me an idea if I paid a correct price)?

Any and all information is welcome. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Linas

[farmer]

Greetings. I have just purchased four old Spain Orders which were apparently awarded to a single French Officer of the "Etat Major de la Marine Française" during the French Second Empire while serving in Spain during the époque of the Spanish Queen Isabelle II (the Catholic). Even though I know the dealer somewhat, I would like to verify his information and obtain more, if possible, because I know very little of these type of Orders, which are far from my primary area of collecting French medals. They are beautiful, thus my interest in purchasing them.

The first is what I was told is the Spain Military Order of Saint Ferdinand Breast Star. I attached a low-resolution photo to this posting, but have a high-resolution on PhotoBucket at the following link:

http://s752.photobuc...20and%20Medals/

Look at medal #1

The information the seller provided me includes :

The Breast Star was instituted on 10 July 1815, by King Ferdinand VII after the defeat of Napoleon I. It was awarded to Officers and soldiers for exceptional military service within the army and navy. This Order was also bestowed upon French Expeditionary Corps Officers in 1823 in the battle for Trocadéro. The dealer claimed that this Breast Star is VERY RARE. It is Silver and enamel, measures about 56mm and weighs about 20 grams.

What I would like to know, if possible, are a number of things:

1. based on the photo, does it appear to be ORIGINAL?

2. does the information the seller provided by sound correct?

3. when was it discontinued?

4. who was eligible to receive it (military / civil), and for what purpose/deed?

5. assuming this is ORIGINAL, would it be considered RARE (how many were awarded – even an estimate would suffice)?

6. what would you estimate is the value of this Breast Star (just to give me an idea if I paid a correct price)?

Any and all information is welcome. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Linas

Linas,

I may be late but saw there we no replies.

Star certainly looks original. St. Ferdinand was purely a Military award, this class would be definitely to officer. Smaller sized stars were common in the early years as these were easier to wear. I would date it as 1860's to 1890's. Value-wise - difficult but I see similar stars offered for around USD 700 and higher. Hope this helps.