Spain, Fascist State. A Spanish Made War Merit Cross, II Class with Swords

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern eines spanischen Freiwilligen der Blauen Division). Constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from a mis-matched but period-original Iron Cross ribbon with a classic clasp and horizontal pinback, consisting of a Maltese Cross with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse with pebbled arms and bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, measuring 46.6mm (w) x 48.0mm (h), weighs 19.6 grams including ribbon and clasp, reverse medallion is slightly bent, a quintessential example of a replacement decoration manufactured in Spain for Blue Division veterans c. 1965, in extremely fine condition.