Spain, Franco. A War Cross For Senior Officers, C.1950

(Cruz de Guerra). Established by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1937. Type I. A beaded multirayed eight-pointed star in silvered bronze, featuring a superimposed four-armed cross in bronze giit, presenting gilded surrounded laurel wreath with crossed sword in each quadrant, the cross showing silvered alternated lions and castles in each arm, with silvered clasp and crown on the 12 o’clock arm, the cross is superimposed by an enameled period Spanish coat of arms along with the inscription AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA, the reverse is plain with a principal vertical pin assembly and dual stays, measuring 58.57 mm (w) x 58.84 mm (h), with loss of gilt and silvered surfaces, presenting oxidation of the reverse, otherwise very fine condition.

Footnote: The War Cross was established by General Francisco Franco on January 26, 1937. It was conferred upon either Spanish or foreign military personnel who fought against Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It was awarded to members of all branches of the Spanish Army who, in combat, rendered extraordinary and effective services to the Nationalist cause. The War Cross replaced the Military Order of Maria Cristina.