Spain, Franco’s period. A Miniature War Cross, I Class Cross, c.1950

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1937 by General Francisco Franco. Franco’s government issue. Of high quality manufacture, a miniature consisting of an eight-pointed star in silver, with obverse in bronze gilt exhibiting a four-armed cross with alternated lions and castles in each arm, featuring crossed swords in each quadrant, with an Imperial Spanish crown and a beneath clasp on the 12 o'clock arm, central medallion in blue, white and red enamels depicting a time of period Spain's coat of arms, inscribed AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA (to Merit in Campaign), reverse with pin assembly, measuring 22.20 (w) x 22.00 mm (h), with minor toned silver, very good.

Footnote: The War Cross was established in Spain after the end of the Civil War, by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1937. The Cross was founded to reward the Nationalist military personnel who defeated the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. It was awarded to all the branches of the Spanish Army who, in combat, rendered extraordinary and effective services to the Nationalist cause.