Spanish Cross in Bronze with Swords (Spanienkreuz in Bronze mit Schwertern). The Spanish Cross (Spanienkreuz) was instituted on 14 April 1939, to recognize those German Forces who served in the Spanish Civil War (July 1936 - March 1939). The Spanish Cross was awarded in four classes, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold with Diamonds. The bronzed and silver classes came in two categories, with swords (combatant) and without swords (non-combatant), while the Gold and Gold with Diamonds classes were awarded only with swords. The lowest grade (Bronze) for combatants was awarded for three months of service in Spain, of this grade 8462 examples were awarded. The cross is nicely maker marked 'L/16' indicating production by the company of 'Steinhauer & Lück' from Lüdenscheid. The cross is having a functional pin and catch. Nice original Spanish Cross in very good condition!