Original Item: Only One Available.This is a very interesting Spanish S.E.U. Founder’s Badge, or Distintivo de Fundador del S.E.U., associated with the early membership of the Sindicato Español Universitario (Spanish University Syndicate), the university organization of the Falange. This full-size example features the distinctive four-pointed lucero, or star, with the red and black checkerboard shield of the S.E.U. at center and an elaborate openwork chain surrounding the entire badge.

The Sindicato Español Universitario, generally known simply as the S.E.U., was established in 1933 as the student organization associated with Falange Española. As the organization developed, it adopted imagery derived from the heraldry of Cardinal Cisneros, founder of the historic University of Alcalá. The checkerboard became one of the S.E.U.'s most recognizable elements. The pre-Civil War form used blue and white squares, while the post-1940 organization adopted the red and black colors seen in this example.

This particular badge was associated with the status of S.E.U. Founder, a distinction closely connected with the concept of the Falangist Vieja Guardia, or "Old Guard." Contemporary regulations and later historical research indicate that the Founder distinction was granted to qualifying members whose S.E.U. affiliation dated from before February 16, 1936.

The construction of the badge is especially distinctive. A large black-finished four-pointed lucero forms the main body, with the central shield displaying alternating red and black checkerboard panels separated by raised metal borders. The red sections retain attractive lined detailing beneath the finish. Surrounding the star is a separately styled openwork chain border. The reverse is fitted with a long vertical pin secured at the top by a tubular hinge and retained at the bottom by a wire catch. Most interestingly, the reverse has been individually hand-numbered: 442

Condition is quite nice for a badge of this age. Much of the glossy black and bright red finish remains, giving the front a strong and attractive appearance. There is only light age-related wear, with minor surface scratching and small areas of finish loss, particularly on portions of the central checkerboard. The exposed metal surfaces show an attractive aged patina, while the reverse has light surface oxidation consistent with age. The long pin, hinge, and catch remain present and functional.