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

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted in 1938. Type I (1938-1942). Insignia in silver with red, white and blue enamels, centering a silver gilt wreath and cross with swords, mounted to an silver eight-pointed star base, measuring 57.5 mm (w) x 57.3 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The War Cross was instituted on January 26, 1937 and amended in 1942. It was a direct descendant of the Military Order of Mary Christine (María Cristina) created for the Queen Regent in 1890 and intended to reward military bravery.