Spain, Franco’s Period. A Miniature War Cross, C.1950

(Cruz de Guerra). Instituted 1937 by General Francisco Franco. Franco’s government issue. A miniature breast model consisting of an eight-pointed multi-rayed star in silvered bronze, the obverse in bronze gilt exhibiting a superposed four-armed cross with alternated lions and castles in each arm, featuring crossed swords in each quadrant, with central medallion in blue, white and red enamels depicting a time of period Spanish coat of arms, plain reverse, measuring 19.29 (w) x 20.81 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), accompanied by replaced breast ribbon, near to mint.

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.