Spain, Spanish State. A General’s Baton, with Case, from the Estate of Francisco Franco

A rare and high-quality General’s baton from the estate of Francisco Franco, measuring 95.5 cm in total length. Constructed of an imitation tortoiseshell shaft, the baton features an end piece constructed of Gold with a blunted tip, decorated with hand-etched laurel leaves. The top features a Gold, silver gilt and enamel cap featuring raised arabesque designs around the outer circumference, with bands displaying hand-etched oak leaf designs similarly distributed around the exterior of both the top and bottom. Riveted to one side of the cap is a shield bearing Franco’s coat of arms in multi-coloured enamels, while the opposite side bears an additional enameled shield featuring the coat of arms of the Naval Command of Almería. Wrapped around the shaft just below the cap is a fully-intact portepee constructed of gold bullion wire, notably secured with a gilded integral ring firmly fastened in place. The baton completes at the cap with a blue enameled medallion bearing Franco’s Gold monogram. Unmarked, the baton is accompanied by its period original presenting case, constructed of a two-piece wooden frame with a faux dark maroon leather exterior liner. The case opens with three functional gilded magnetic metal snap buttons to reveal a white rayon lid liner and bed. The former is marker marked “VILLANUEVA Y LAISECA, JOYEROS, MADRID”, indicating fine-quality jeweller construction. The latter features a custom-fitted two-piece pedestal to hold the baton in place during storage. It measures 99 cm (w) x 10 cm (l) x 6.5 cm (h) overall. Notably, it is accompanied by a period press photograph showing an elderly Franco taking receipt of a cased baton, with the reverse stamped with studio marks and a daet of 14 December 1972. The photo measures 18 cm (w) x 24 cm (h). The set demonstrates minor issues consistent with age, including some loss of gilt finish to the silver elements, the loosening of the Almería shield on the baton’s cap, and moderate material fatigue to the presentation case. This rare example of Franco’s personal regalia is in an overall better than very fine condition.