Description
Product Description: This Spanish Cross in Silver is an exquisite, top-quality piece that has an exceptionally appealing appearance. This pattern of award, without swords, was intended for issue to military non-combatants with the Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War. This finely made example is made of a brass alloy (Tombak) with a beautiful heavy electroplated silver finish. Most of the electroplating is intact, with only light, even wear that exposes the golden color of the base metal at some high points. The finish is real silver that has taken on lovely, even, natural toning, with no sign of ever having been cleaned. All of the original detail is present, and there is no damage to note. The reverse of this Spanish Cross in Silver also has an uncleaned old patina. The eagles are expertly joined to the arms of the cross with jewelry-quality solder joints. There is no maker mark, but this variant is known to have been manufactured by the firm of Petz & Lorenz. The hardware is intact, and is a style that was used on this badge type by Petz & Lorenz only. The wide pin is functional and there are no repairs or other issues with the sheet metal hinge and catch. This cross is one with outstanding character and charm. The condition rates as excellent.
Historical Description:The German Spanish Cross, was a crossover award between Germany and its ally, fascist Spain. This medal signified the collaboration and military cooperation between the two countries, particularly during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The Spanish Cross was established on April 14, 1939, by Adolf Hitler, shortly after the Nationalists’ victory in Spain. The award was available in two classes of three grades: with swords for combatants, and without swords for non-combatants, both classes in Bronze, Silver, or Gold Grades. The Bronze award with swords was for combatants, the Silver award with swords was for soldiers who took part in decisive battles and who had considerable fighting experience, and the Gold award was for great merit. The highest grade. The Spanish Cross in Gold with Diamonds, was very rarely awarded and reserved for those who showed the greatest merit or who had high leadership skills in battle. There was also a version made for the next of kin of men who had been killed; this was a medal suspended from a ribbon, rather than a pin-on badge. Unlike most German awards, the Spanish Cross was worn on the right side of the uniform.
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