Spain, Facist State. A Pair of Orders & Awards

Includes:

1. Order of Military Merit, Cross with Red Distinction, c. 1936-1976 (Orden del Mérito Militar). Instituted in 1864. Two-piece construction, in bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, measuring 37.5 mm (w) x 50.5 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, contact marks and nicks evident on the reverse, original ribbon, suspended from a traditional horizontal hanger with pinback.

2. Franquist Students League of the Falange Army Badge c. 1930s: three-piece construction, in bronze gilt with red, white and blue enamels, unmarked, measuring 44 mm x 59.8 mm, vertical pinback flanked by one prong, the other prong having been lost to time, chipping and loss evident in the white enamels on one checkerboard square on the shield. Better than very fine and near very fine, respectively.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was instituted on August 3, 1864 by Queen Isabel II, revised in 1931, 1936, 1942, 1970, 1977, 1995 and 2003. It is awarded for acts of bravery, distinction, service or merit by members of the Armed Forces, or civilians in support of the military, in two grades: Grand Cross and Cross, in four Divisions: Red, Blue, Yellow, and White.