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

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1938. Franco Period. Type II (1942-1975). A beaded eight-pointed star in silvered bronze, obverse with superposed gilded centrepiece consisting of a four armed cross with surrounded laurel wreath and crossed swords, centre in red, white and blue enameled Spanish coat of arms, with enameled blue border inscribed “Al Mérito en Campaña” (To Merit in Campaign), reverse with button hole, measuring 22.67 mm (w) x 23.22 mm (h), minor toned bronze, 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.