Germany, Wehrmaht. A Rare Spanish Cross for Next of Kin

(Spanienkreuz für Hinterbliebene). Instituted 14 April 1939. (1939 issue). A rare and extremely well-preserved Spanish Cross for Next of Kin, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from a correct replacement ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms, each joined through the quadrants by detailed Luftwaffe eagles clutching mobile swastikas, with a central raised mobile swastika on a pebbled background, set within dual rings, unmarked, measuring 40.94 mm (w) x 42.70 mm (h) (inclusive of suspension ring), measuring 12.4 grams, minor oxidation is evident to the reverse, in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This special grade of the Spanish Cross was instituted by order of AH on 14 April 1939 for issue to surviving relatives of Condor Legion personnel who perished in service during the Spanish Civil War. Regulations stipulated a hierarchy as to who was entitled to receive the decoration, with widows of deceased personnel taking precedence, followed by children, parents, and finally siblings. With only 315 crosses issued, this award is rarely encountered.