HISTORY. With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, Germany sent the Condor Legion to give military aid to Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces. On 14 April 1939, Germany instituted the Spanish Cross as a decoration for the German soldiers that fought in the Spanish Civil War. The Spanish Cross was to be worn on the right breast below the pocket flap or, if awarded, below the Blood Order.  After the death of the recipient, the award remains with the next-of-kin.

Constructed of bronze, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with pebbled arms and a central raised swastika inside of a pebbled ring, with crossed swords piercing the centre and Luftwaffe eagles clutching mobile swastikas between the quadrants.  The reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked, “L/12” for C.E. Juncker, Berlin.  Near MINT.

A12097