GRAND CROSS of MILITARY MERIT for GERMAN GENERAL

EXTREMELY RARE GRAND CROSS of MILITARY MERIT for GERMAN GENERAL, CASED
This item, depicted in the images below, is a Spanish Grand Cross of Military Merit Award, a complete set featuring a red and white silk sash with a medal at the bottom measuring 41 mm x 48 mm. The award is made of enamel and gold over silver. The breast badge measures 63 mm x 63 mm and is solid silver plated with gold. It is the highest award given by General Franco to Generals of the German Luftwaffe and other German forces during the Spanish Civil War. Images of Third Reich Generals wearing this award can be found - please see the images provided.
The award features a gilt-edged white enamel Greek cross on a swivel crown suspension, with the face displaying an imposed circular central medallion in red and white enamel, as well as gilt metal bearing an escutcheon quarterly of Castile and Leon with Granada overall. Queen Isabel II created this Order in 1864 to recognize military merit. The cross is made of white enamel during times of peace and red during times of war. This specific set dates from the period 1938 to 1943 and is in fantastic XF+ condition, making it a rare find. It was acquired from an old-time European collection and is a superb, massive order of the highest quality from a renowned jeweler.
Currently, it is nearly impossible to find an award in a case like this.
CONDITION: The item is in very good, used condition. For additional information, please refer to the pictures.
PROVENANCE: 1. From an old collection, Berlin, Germany, 1963-2015; 2. La Galerie Numismatique Lausanne, Switzerland, April 04, 2018 (the winner will receive this information); 3. Our sale of this item adds another layer of provenance (please print this page). History of sale is very IMPORTANT for serious collection.
ESTIMATED PRICE: $500 - $3,000 (significantly lower than today's market price).
HISTORY of SALES: A few years ago, the same order was estimated up to 2,000 EURO ($2,320) and 2,100 EURO ($2,450), other sold for $1,500, and $1,850 - please refer to the screenshots for details. Today, prices have significantly increased compared to those of 5-10 years ago.
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HISTORY: The Condor Legion (German: Legion Condor) was a unit composed of military personnel from the air force and army of Nazi Germany, which served with the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War of July 1936 to March 1939. The Condor Legion developed methods of strategic bombing which were used widely in the Second World War shortly afterwards. The bombing of Guernica was the most infamous operation carried out by the Condor Legion. Hugo Sperrle commanded the unIt's aircraft formations and Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma commanded the ground element.
Condition Report: Used