Spain, Spanish State. A Grand Cross of Naval Merit, with White Decoration, c. 1939

Constructed of a gilded alloy with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant and pebbled starburst, overlaid by a central white enameled Latin Cross, topped by a gilded crown, overlaid by a blue enameled anchor with gilded highlights, the arms joined through the quadrants by the coats of arms of Castile and León, the reverse with eight visible rivets securing the obverse features in position, with a raised barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, flanked on each side by downward-pointing stabilizers, unmarked, measuring 60.96 mm (w) x 61.41 mm (h), weighing 46.8 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a Spanish-made example demonstrating the characteristics of late- to immediate post-Civil War manufacture often awarded to German personnel, in extremely fine condition.