Lot 365

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Description:


Excessively rare Spanish Cross in Gold with Diamonds ('Deutsche Spanien-Kreuz in Gold mit Schwertern und Brillanten'), measuring approx. 2 3/8 x 2 3/8 in., and superbly crafted of gilt silver. The cross bars are finely grained, and backed with two crossed swords with Luftwaffe eagles and swastikas appearing beneath the individual sword cross guards and at sword ends. The center of the medal displays a mobile swastika on a stippled background, and it is encircled by 14 rhinestones. The reverse bears an absolutely accurate hinge, hook, and flat tapered pin. The reverse of the badge is also stamped with a '900' silver purity stamp. Minute signs of wear are evident on the higher points of the badge, with light wear to the hinge. This medal, the highest level of the decoration, was awarded in recognition of repeated acts above and beyond the call of duty. It was awarded only 28 times, mostly to members of the Luftwaffe including Adolf Galland, and is thus one of the rarest decorations of the Third Reich. It is accompanied by a copy of the original 1981 notarized letter of provenance from M/Sgt. Harry C. Hoffman to a well-know American militaria dealer with a sterling reputation. Hoffman, a member of the 505 P.I.R., 82nd Airborne, also cites several other medals he sold to the dealer, including an Oak Leaf, Swords and Diamonds. He writes that medals had been: 'collected...from various sources during WWII and after, including the Army of Occupation and other tours of duty....legally by purchase or trade...over 35 years ago...' An extraordinary item for the advanced collector.

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*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

February 8, 2021 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000