Spain, Civil War Period. A War Cross Breast Star c.1938

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1937. Type I, 1937-1942 issued. An eight-pointed faceted silver star, featuring a superposed obverse centre consisting of a silver gilt four-armed cross, with alternating silver royal Spanish symbols in each arm, surrounded by detailed laurel wreath and crossed swords in each quadrant both in silver gilt, centre depicting an enameled blue, red and white Spanish coat of arms surrounded by the inscription AL MERITO EN CAMPANA (Merit in Campaign) also in silver gilt, reverse with typical of time period pin assembly, measuring 61.80 mm (w) x 60.50 mm (h), with minor lost of gilt and toned silver, extremely fine.      

 

Footnote: The War Cross was established in Spain after the end of the Civil War, by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1937. The Cross was founded to reward the Nationalist military personnel who defeated the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. It was awarded to all the branches of the Spanish Army who, in combat, rendered extraordinary and effective services to the Nationalist cause.