Spain, Franco Period. A Military Merit Medal, C.1936

(Medalla Militar). Instituted in 1918 by Alfonso XIII of Spain. A solid silver medal of period manufacture, the obverse medallion presents a fight facing female figure holding a wreath, with the sun setting in the left background and a shield with a lion face on the on the right, the medallion is surrounded by a silver wreath with a rampant lion on each side, a small banner at 6 o’clock reads AL MERITO EN CAMPANA, the reverse presents the Spanish coat of arms overlaid on an eagle with outstretched wings, and matching silver wreath and rampant lions, measures 37.6mm (w) x 45.2mm (h – inclusive of integral ball), weighs 29.1 grams (including ribbon), worn on correct ribbon with silver pinback, dark patina, minor wear, in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a miniature medal bearing the same obverse and reverse design, worn on original ribbon with silver gilt pinback, measures 16.3mm (w) x 19.5mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 4.3 grams (including ribbon), ribbon cut (does not hold ring), very dark patina, in very fine condition.

Footnote: This medal was awarded to members of the Spanish military service, independent of rank, for exceptional heroism on the field of battle.