Spain, Franco Period. A Medal for the Campaign of 1936-1939, Front Service, by Egaña, c.1960

(Medalla Campaña 1936-1939). Instituted on January 26, 1937. Civil War issued. Of late manufacture, a rounded medal constructed of bronze, obverse applique in bronze patination exhibiting a fierce lion defeating a fall dragon with an underneath four central gilt swords, beneath of a bright sun and the date 17 JULIO 1936 (July 17, 1936), for the beginning of the Civil War, circumscribed by a gilded ornamented border, the reverse in bronze patination presenting the royal symbol of the Arrows and Yoke, a typical Spanish helm, and a period Spanish coat of arms, all of them beneath of a gilded flying eagle, surrounded by a border inscribed ARRIBA ESPAÑA GEss M FANG UNA GRANDE LIBRE IMPERIAL M. ESP. GLR, measuring 36.49 mm (w) x 41.36 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), light contact, on original Front Service ribbon with a traditional Spanish-style horizontal hanger with pinback, very fine; in its cardboard box of issue, maker marked "INDUSTRIAS EGAÑA MOTRICO" on the front, with its original waxed paper wrapper, separation evident on the seams, box fair.

Footnote: The medal was established on January 26, 1937 and awarded to members of the Falangist forces fighting against the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War. The date on the medal of July 17, 1936 is that of the beginning of the armed rebellion against the Republican government. The rebels failed to take control of major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, although the government could not successfully suppress the uprising. A long and bloody civil war followed and lasted until April 1, 1939. This led to atrocities on both sides and eventual victory for the conservative rebels.