Spain, Franco Period. A War Cross Breast Star, c.1940

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1938. Franco Period. Type I (1938-1942). A beaded eight-pointed star in silver, with superposed obverse centrepiece in bronze gilt consisting of a four armed cross, featruring alternating lions and castle in each arm, 12 o'clock arm having a silver clasp beneath of an engraved imperial crown, featuring surrounded laurel wreath with crossed swords, centre depicting a red, white and blue enameled Spanish coat of arms, with blue-enamelled border inscribed “Al Mérito en Campaña” (To Merit in Campaign), reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 61.06 mm (w) x 62.22 mm (h), toned silver, light contact, very fine.

Footnote: The War Cross was established in Spain after the end of the Civil War, by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1938. The Cross was founded to reward the Nationalist military personnel who defeated Republican forces at the Civil War. It was awarded to all the branches of the Spanish Army who rendered extraordinary and effective services to the Nationalist cause.