Dolfek

Hi Tim, Nice crosses. This type of war cross was created in 1942 to reward soldies and other ranks below seargent. So between 1937 (when the war cross was reistituted again) and 1942, all ranks received the war cross (breast star) with minimal variations to denote the holder?s rank. The color of the wreath for example. Generals received a completly golden star. About the Red Military Merit Cross, it?s a really good looking type. It?s hard to say, at less for me, but as you said, it?s a bit later. I would even say late 1940?s early 1950?s, but as I said, a have a few of them in my collection, and it?s not very easy to identify the exactly date. These are still in production, as replacement for veterans. Think about all these veterans from the civil war that deserved all kind of medals, didn?t received any until the war was well over. There was such mess after the war, and so little funds, that some veterans received their medals many years after if they ever received any. I?ve never seen/hear of any german, receiving the 1942 war cross. I think, if it was designed that year, by the time the began the production, and distribution, the blue division was almost home. Hope it helps. Regards, Dolfek.

Hi Tim, This is the war cross for enlisted troops, created in 1942. NCO?s and officers were awarded a breast star as it was since 1937. It goes above the Red Military Merit Cross. Really a nice piece Regards, Dolfek.

Looks like someone took a lapel pin, enamel it around and, ruined the piece. Does it have a golden wash? It looks really bad.

Rick is right. The ribbon bar is a late type, don?t know exactly when did spanish servicemen began to use this style in question, but for sure not right after the civil war. I haven?t seen many types of bars, but this one if not, at less looks like the current bars in use. Just think about medal "12" Medal for 25 Years of Peace (1939-1964). Can?t help much more, as this is not my field. Regards, Dolfek.

Hopefuly, this one won?t foul anyone.

Hi Noor, I hope this helps you a bit. 1. - War cross. 2. Order of Military Merit 3. ? - 1936-1939 Campaign medal 4. ? - Medal for the wounded. It doesn?t have the red cross on the ribbon, so it may not be a wound for enemy fire. 5. Medal of Alfonso (?) 6. ? - The royal and military order of San Hermenegildo. It?s mainly a long service award. 7. ? - As above, but probably for more years of service. I?m not sure after how many years would you receive the order, 10,25 & 40 years, or something like this. 8. Military Cross of Merit 9. Military Cross of Merit 10. Military Cross of Merit 11. ? - Medal for Peace in Morocco 1927. As a reward to all those who took part on the process. 12. Medal for 25 Years of Piece 13. Campaign medal for Spanish Division Volunteers in Russia 1943 Regards, Dolfek.

Scott, That?s the best example. Regards, Dolfek.

Hello Tim, It?s a Franco era piece, and a late one. The quality of the early types is much, much better (enamel and details), as you can see on your other cross (red). These pieces are from the late 1930?s to about 1975, or even later, until 1977 (transition period). I?ve never seen any pebble-style reverse. Only plain or enamel reverse in the better finished types. I hope it helps a bit. You know the rest. Regards, Dolfek.

Hello Andreas, This is the communist area. I think you?re on the wrong side of the forum, but I?ll try to help you the best I can. The badge in question, is the Croatian Air Legion Badge, designated and awarded as a type of active service badge for members of the croat air force legion during WWII. It was also bestowed upon non-croats (Luftwaffe personnel) associated with the legion. I don?t like the badge, looks like a modern copy by just looking at the reverse. I hope I?m wrong and this is just a variation. Regards, Dolfek.

I did?t know Himmler received any spanish decorations at all. Did he received any other from the spanish goverment? Regards, Dolfek.

It also appears Franco is wearing his Medalla Militar as a clasp without the ribbon (?). What Franco is wearing, is "Laureada de San Fernando", the highest Spanish military decoration. It doesn?t have ribbon, as it?s a badge. Regards, Dolfek.

For what I?ve seen this book is going to be an extraordinary and amazing piece of work. Thanks for doing it possible. Best regards, Dolfek.

It would explain why some "scarce" miniatures sold for just a few $ on Ebay. Just my thoughts Regards, Dolfek.

I had a book about the Spanish 1943 uniform regulation, but can?t find it. If I remember well, this is an enlisted Infantry cap, is what the red piping means. Wish I could be more helpful. Regards, Dolfek.

Look like moulds, but which size are they? I hope no one is thinking about that even miniatures, "How many repros could someone take it from there". Regards, Dolfek.

Hello Vince, This cross and many others were made in Spain, and still making them as a replacements for Blue Division veterans. There are many different variations, from the nice quality to the terrible crude types. I guess, the older, the better. I hope this has been helpful. Regards, Dolfek.

For what I see, it?s a 2nd LT. Artillery Sahariana. The artillery red badges on the collar are for the 1943 uniform regulation. I?m not an expert in this type of uniforms, but I would say it might be an early civil war uniform updated with the new 1943 badges. I say this mainly for the buttons. Later uniforms had golden buttons with the imperial eagle on them. About the hat, don?t know much. Looks fine to me. I hope someone will help you out untill I find some additional information. Regards, Dolfek.

And to all those who may be interested in the front, there you go. Regards, Dolfek.

Here you are 3 diferent reverse types. Screw-back, pin-back and the fork style type. Regards, Dolfek.

And a close up of the few Tito pins I have. Regards, Dolfek.

Here?s my pin collection, incluiding some Tito?s. Regards, Dolfek.

If I remember it well, the Spanish Army protocol says that foreign awards are worn the last of all. But it?s true that Blue Division veterans wore the EK on first place very often. Don?t forget they used a mixture of badges and medals with no regulation at all on their german uniforms. Maybe they continued to do the same when back to Spain. And I?m sure they were very proud of having foreign awards such as the EK on their chest. Regards, Dolfek.

You will be able to read it when the book is published

It?s a 6 flames type. I?m sure the serial number must be "a bit" higher, and partially covered by the catch. Notice the numbers are off centre. Regards, Dolfek.

Nice display. I really like it. To make that family happier you need now to look for the "Medalla Militar" Regards, Dolfek.