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

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1938. Franco Period. Type I (1938-1942). A faceted eight-pointed star in silvered bronze, with superposed obverse centrepiece in bronze gilt consisting of a four armed cross, with alternated lions and castle in each arm, the 12 o'clock arm having a silver clasp beneath of an Imperial crown, featuring surrounded laurel wreath and crossed swords, centre medallion in bronze depicting a red, white and blue enameled period Spanish coat of arms, with an enameled blue border inscribed “Al Mérito en Campaña” (To Merit in Campaign), reverse with central pin assembly, measuring 60.05 mm (w) x 59.61 mm (h), with minor toned bronze, 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.