Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive Spanish Medalla de la Campaña 1936-1939, or Campaign Medal, in the Vanguardia configuration for front-line service. This example displays the distinctive small raised ornament at the top of the medal, immediately beneath the suspension lug. Often described by Spanish collectors as a piña (“pinecone”) or antorcha (“torch”), this feature is associated in the collecting literature with an early variant encountered on medals attributed to members of the German Legion Condor. It is complete with its Spanish national-color ribbon with black outer edges, the prescribed ribbon configuration for front-line rather than rear-area service, as well as its gilt horizontal pinback suspension bar.

The Medalla de la Campaña was established by the Nationalist government under Decree No. 192 of January 26, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. It was awarded for qualifying campaign service and was also presented to members of the foreign contingents serving with the Nationalist forces, including the German Legion Condor and Italian Corpo Truppe Volontarie. The decoration was issued in a single class, with the ribbon distinguishing the type of service: black outer edges for Vanguardia, or front-line service, and green edges for Retaguardia, or rear-area service.

The medal has the distinctive blackened and gilt appearance of the official Spanish design. The obverse depicts a lion representing Spain overcoming a dragon incorporating the hammer and sickle, an overtly political allegory representing the Nationalist struggle against communism. Behind the figures are the swords of the Cruz Laureada de San Fernando, Spain's highest military decoration for valor, together with a rising sun and the date:

17 JVLIO 1936

This commemorates the opening of the military uprising in July 1936. The outer border is formed by finely detailed oak and laurel foliage. The official design was specified as a circular medal approximately 37mm in diameter with contrasting blackened and gilt surfaces.

The reverse is equally elaborate. A gilt Eagle of Saint John dominates the upper portion, above the Spanish arms in the style adopted by the Franco government. Alongside are the yoke and bundle of arrows associated with the Falange and a Spanish military helmet. Across the upper blackened field is the period slogan:

ARRIBA ESPAÑA

The surrounding gilt border carries the abbreviated inscription referring to Generalísimo Franco together with the period formula UNA GRANDE LIBRE IMPERIAL. The contrasting black and gilt finish remains quite strong on this example, with particularly attractive definition to the eagle, heraldic shield, lion, dragon, foliage, and lettering.

Most importantly for this example, the ribbon retains the narrow black borders identifying Vanguardia service. This distinguished qualifying operational or front-line service from service in the rear. The ribbon shows honest age and use, including some creasing, minor fraying and wear along the edges, but remains complete and displays very nicely. The rectangular gilt suspension bar has normal scratches, tarnish, and age toning, while the reverse retains its full-length pin attachment.

The medal itself is in very nice condition for its age. Much of the finish remains intact, providing excellent contrast against the gilt highlights. There is expected oxidation to some of the raised areas, along with small areas of finish loss and general handling wear, but the relief remains exceptionally crisp and the inscriptions are readily legible. The suspension ring and early raised ornament beneath it are also intact.