Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords

Product Description: A superb and highly desirable example of the Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords, awarded to German military personnel in recognition of valor or merit during service in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939).

Struck in Tombak and finished in a rich bronze wash, this multi-piece construction badge exhibits exceptional craftsmanship. The obverse features a finely pointed Maltese cross base with crossed swords, a central disc bearing a prominent swastika, and four individually applied Luftwaffe-style eagles—all separately struck elements, expertly soldered.

The surface retains virtually all of its original bronze finish, with an eye-catching golden tone and only minimal, attractive patina in recessed areas. Detail throughout remains crisp and unmarred.

The reverse shows smooth, uncleaned age toning, and is marked with the maker’s stamp attributed to Friedrich Sedlatzek of Berlin. The original hardware setup includes a barrel hinge, tapered pin, and a rounded flat-wire “C” catch—all fully intact, fully functional, and free from any repairs.

A truly choice example of this prestigious and increasingly scarce decoration, the Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords is offered here in excellent plus condition.

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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