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Gilt-edged red enamel Maltese cross with gold rays between the arms, on oval green enamel laurel wreath suspension; the face with a circular central polychrome enamel medallion with the Pillars of Hercules and a crowned sphere within a white enamel ring inscribed ‘A LA LEALDAD ACRISOLADA’ (For irreproachable loyalty); the reverse with a circular central deep blue enamel bearing the gilt crowned cipher of King Fernando VII within a white enamel ring inscribed ‘POR ISABEL LA CATOLICA’ (For Isabella the Catholic); on original ribbon with ‘pasador’ top bar mounted for wear; with buttonhole rosette; in fitted embossed case of issue by Cejalvo of Madrid
The Order was created for King Fernando VII on 24 March 1815 to reward those defending Spanish possessions in the Americas against frequent insurrections and to recognise loyalty, zeal, patriotism and bravery on behalf of the Crown in remote lands.
It was named for St. Isabella (1451-1504), Queen of Castile and wife of Ferdinand of Aragon, during whose reign America was discovered by Christopher Columbus.
The Order continues to be awarded and there are now many versions in existence.
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