Spain, Spanish State. A Rare Falange Standard Flag Finial, c. 1942

A rare and ornate standard flag finial of the Falange Española de las Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional Sindicalista/FE de las JONS (often simplified to Falange), constructed of a bronze and zink alloy with a silvered plating, consisting of a double-sided stylized Spanish national eagle, with its head facing over its right wing and surrounded by a halo-style ring, clutching an elongated and pitted shield overlaid by a raised Falange yoke and arrows finished in red paint, in turn affixed to rectangular plaque featuring a black painted depression awaiting the addition of a city or district title, with a cluster of oak leaves emanating from the bottom of the plaque transitioning into a ringed based which retains a hollow nickel-plated brass post for the insertion of a pole, perforated with an eyelet for the addition of a rivet to securely hold the finial in position during display, unmarked, measuring 30 cm (w) x 54 cm (h), age-appropriate pitting and loss of finish is visible throughout the base metal (and includes some chipping, to the base above the post), and the ring demonstrates evidence of period repair after previous detachment, a scarce example of Falange patriotica produced as Francisco Franco consolidated his rule in the early years of the regime (c. 1942), in very fine condition.

Footnote: An exceptionally rare piece, this only other known example of this finial resides within the collection of the Museums of San Cugat in Cugat del Vallès, Spain.