Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/675

316 and under, who have also occupied the rank of officers for forty years.

The claim to the third class, is founded on twenty-five years' service, with the rank of officer for at least ten years.

The King has the right to waive the condition of the number of years, in favour of candidates who have specially distinguished themselves in a battle or siege.

Officers who are still on active service, ten years after their nomination, are entitled to a pension, amounting, in the first class, to 10,000 reales (£100), in the second class to 4800 R. (£48), and in the third class to 2400 R. (£24).

The badge consists of a white enamelled cross, surmounted by a gold crown. The round middle is enamelled blue, and represents on the obverse the figure of St. Hermengilde on horseback, holding in her right hand a palm branch, and the legend: 'Premio á la constancia militar' (Reward for military perseverance). The reverse exhibits the initial 'F. VII.' (Plate 90, Tab. IV. No. 21).

The Knights of the Grand Cross wear the decoration across the right shoulder towards the left side, by a broad ribbon with three stripes, crimson in the middle and white at the sides, and are entitled to a star (No. 20) of gold and silver upon the left side of the breast.

The Knights of the second class wear the same star, but suspend the cross at the button-hole.

The Knights of the third class, wear, likewise, the cross at the button-hole, but have no star.

The Chapter meets once a year under the presidency of the Monarch or the Captain-General of the province.

MILITARY ORDER OF ST, FERDINAND.

The foundation of this Order took place in 1811.