Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords

Product Description: This Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords is a wonderful example, with outstanding eye appeal. This lovely cross is made of multiple pieces of die struck Tombak (brass) with a bronze finish. The original finish is nearly perfect, about 99 percent intact, with eye-catching gold tones that contrast with chocolate color in the recesses of the design. The pointed Maltese cross base with swords, center disc with swastika motif, and four individual eagles, are all separate pieces, each directly soldered together. The obverse of this badge retains all of the original detail, and only an extremely slight, pleasant patina. The reverse of this cross is smooth, with uncleaned age toning. There is no maker mark, but this variant has been attributed to the firm of Friedrich Sedlatzek. The hardware setup on this cross is an early, prewar type, with a long block hinge, tapered pin, and rounded flat-wire “C” catch. The hardware is functional and has no repairs at all. This Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords is a choice and very desirable piece, 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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com