Spain, Fascist State. A Spanish Made War Merit Cross, Ii Class With Swords certificate_of_authenticity maker marked "STOKES & SONS

maker marked "STOKES & SONS MELB" on the reverse

with award document dated 30 Jan 1945

The family was "dirt poor" and other than John

There is a deep cotton-lined pocket with a side-entry near the opening of the blouse

Spain, Fascist State. A Spanish Made War Merit Cross, Ii Class With Swords certificate_of_authenticity maker marked "STOKES & SONS(Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern eines spanischen Freiwilligen der Blauen Division). Constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from ribbon with a classic clasp and horizontal pinback, consisting of a Maltese Cross with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse with pebbled arms and bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of 1939, unmarked, measuring 46. 9 mm (w) x 48. 2 mm