Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945 certificate_of_authenticity (1921-1934 issue)

(1921-1934 issue)

(Verleihungs-Urkunde)

Loss of finish is visible to the metal fixtures and the straps demonstrate minor material fatigue

the interior bearing illegible silver hallmarks

unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Julius Bauer & Söhne

Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945 certificate_of_authenticity (1921-1934 issue)(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