Spain, Spanish State. A Spanish War Cross Breast Star, Red Lion Variant, c. 1940

Constructed of a silver alloy with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a vaulted eight-pointed star, overlaid by a gilded cross with its arms joined together through the quadrants by a circular laurel leaf wreath and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, overlaid by a central enameled medallion bearing the coat of arms of Castile and León, with the lions executed in red enamel, within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “AL MERITO EN CAMPAÑA”, with a raised barrel hinge and elaborate vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, unmarked, measuring 55.43 mm (w) x 55.64 mm (h), weighing 42.4 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a scarce variant in extremely fine condition.