Spain, Civil War. A War Cross, Officers, By Celada C.1936

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1936 by Francisco Franco. 1936-1942 issue. Of Spanish manufacture, a beautiful eight pointed faceted star in silver, with obverse centre featuring a four armed Cross urdy in silver gilt, presenting crossed swords and laurel wreath in each quadrant, cross superposing by alternating lions and a castle on each arm, with an imperial crown with beneath bar on the 12 o’clock arm, centre enamelling in blue, white and red enamels depicting typical of time period Spanish coat of arms, surrounding by the inscription AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA (Merit in Campaign), reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, marked by maker’s cartouche of Celada, Mayer 21, Madrid, measuring 57.93 mm (w) x 59.00 mm (h), presenting minor lost of enamels, toned silver, very fine.

Footnote: The War Cross was established in Spain after the end of the Civil War, by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1936. 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.