Spanish Cross in Bronze – Early

Product Description: This is a gorgeous, high-quality early example of the Spanish Cross in Bronze. It has a rich, deep bronze color that gives it a very beautiful overall appearance. This is an early, unmarked example; the manufacturer of this variant is still unknown. This Spanish Cross in Bronze features great detail and shows only very minor wear to the high points of the Luftwaffe eagle emblems. The reverse has an pleasant, even, old patina. The original hardware is completely intact and functional, with no repairs. The wide pin has a very slight bend, possibly indicating this was worn on a uniform. The badge is uncleaned and all original. A really very attractive example of the Spanish Cross in Bronze, with a great finish, making for a wonderful display.

Historical Description: The Spanish Cross (Spanienkreuz) was instituted on April 14, 1939, to recognize the achievements of German personnel who participated in the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939. It was in the shape of a Maltese cross with a swastika in the center and Luftwaffe eagle emblems in the spaces between the four arms. The pin-backed award was issued in four classes: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold with Diamonds. Bronze and Silver classes were made both with and without swords. Silver and Bronze awards without swords were for non-combatants and was issued to military and civilian personnel with three months of wartime experience in Spain, with the Silver version issued for merit. 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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