Original Item: Only One Available. This is an early Spanish Cruz de Guerra, or War Cross, breast star of the Type I pattern introduced during the Spanish Civil War and used from approximately 1938 to 1942. The Cruz de Guerra was included among the campaign decorations established under Decree No. 192 of January 26, 1937, with the actual insignia design approved by Circular Order on March 29, 1938. It was intended as a reward for exceptional distinction and unusually effective service during military operations. The design was directly descended from the earlier Military Order of María Cristina, although a number of heraldic and construction details were deliberately changed for the new award. Spanish Ministry of Defense material likewise notes that the María Cristina design served as the inspiration for the Cruz de Guerra created in 1938.

The decoration is of impressive multi-piece construction, built around a deeply textured eight-point radiating star with a darkened silver-colored finish. Over this is mounted a gilt-toned four-armed cross, surrounded by a detailed laurel wreath with four swords projecting between the arms. The upper arm displays an open crown above a rectangular silver-colored tablet, while the two horizontal arms carry rampant lions and the lower arm bears a castle. These are characteristic features of the early 1938 pattern. The rectangular tablet was intended to receive the date of the action or award; on this example it remains blank.

At the center is the most visually striking portion of the decoration, a colorful enameled Spanish heraldic medallion. The quartered field displays the castles of Castile and lions of León against alternating translucent red and white enamel, with a small blue central escutcheon bearing the pomegranate representing Granada. Surrounding the arms is a deep blue enamel border carrying the gold inscription:

AL MERITO
EN CAMPAÑA

This translates naturally as “For Merit in Campaign.” The two small gold stars separating the inscription are also present. The combination of the quartered Castile and León arms, central Granada emblem, crown, lions, castle, blue motto ring, and blank date tablet corresponds very closely to the documented first model of the Cruz de Guerra. Contemporary descriptions specify an approximately eight-pointed faceted star, a crown above the upper arm, lions on the lateral arms, a castle below, and the blue AL MÉRITO EN CAMPAÑA ring around the central arms.

This early design is frequently referred to by collectors as the “Egaña Model” or “Egaña Pattern,” a name derived from Industrias Egaña of Motrico, Guipúzcoa, the first manufacturer associated with production of the 1938 insignia. There were, however, a number of manufacturers and construction variations.

The condition is quite appealing for an award of this age. The central enamel remains especially attractive, retaining strong blue, red, and white coloration with the gold lettering and heraldic devices still clearly defined. There is some expected wear, but no major enamel loss. The surrounding metalwork has developed a substantial oxidation across the radiating star. The gilt-toned cross, wreath, and swords likewise show age-related rubbing and toning, producing a pleasing contrast with the colorful center. Some of the outer rays show minor waviness and edge wear, entirely in keeping with the overall condition.

The reverse is plain and displays the honest surface oxidation and patina expected from age. It retains its long vertical wire pin, upper barrel-style hinge, and lower curled wire catch. The multi-piece construction is also evident from the reverse. No recipient engraving or maker marking is visible.