Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945 Auction regimental number 1257512

regimental number 1257512

VII 37" (July 4

consisting of 1) An Iron Cross 1939 First Class

with the aforementioned wreath and badge suspended from them

Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945 Auction regimental number 1257512(Orden del Merito Social Penitenciario). Instituted May 1 1944 by Francisco Franco. In silver gilt, the decoration consists of an eight point star with clusters of smooth rays, the obverse bears a large superimposed blue enamelled cross, with the central medallion presenting the Virgin of Mercy in enamels, surrounded by a dark blue ring inscribed MATER CAPTIVORUM (Mother of Captives), the reverse is plain with three rivets, the badge is suspended by