Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945 Auction Archive overlaid by a silver-grey Ordnungspolizei

overlaid by a silver-grey Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika

The star was considered the colonial equivalent of the Order of the Netherlands Lion (or at least the "Brother" grade associated with the Order)

While approaching the American column

consisting of a black leather base topped by silvered brass chinscales which cascade toward the centre

constructed of a silvered aluminum alloy

Spain, Fascist State. An Order Of Penitentiary Social Merit, Distinguished Gold Cross With Collar, C.1945 Auction Archive overlaid by a silver-grey Ordnungspolizei(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 two rivets at 12 and 6 oclock, the badge