Spanish Blue Division Medal (Tapferkeits- und Erinnerungsmedaille der Spanischen "Blauen Division")

[militariacoll]

Here is a Spanish Blue Division Medal (Tapferkeits- und Erinnerungsmedaille der Spanischen "Blauen Division") But without the cut outs...

Thick example that appears to be die struck with extremely crisp detail.

What do you guys think? Original that didn't get cut out? It weighs 30.3 grams.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Looks fine to me.

[militariacoll]

Ade,

Even without the cut outs?
Since a thicker version, would it be for officer?

[Saladin]

Very interesting medal.
I have never done any study on these whatsoever and have never owned anything from the Spanish Campaign except the wound badges.

I do see what is meant by the lack of cut outs on the medal as opposed to the one Ade and Robin posted here:
Spanish issue medal for the Blue Divsion

So there are at least 3 variations of this medal in just a couple of threads.

The one posted above and the one Ade posted both have ribbons that are produced on needle looms...have a look at the edge of the ribbons and you will see the overlocking but on Robin's example the ribbon is made on a shuttle loom...The old type of loom more to the period.

It would be interesting to see if there are any more variations of this medal out there.

All the best
Doug

[Aldo]

Hello, it is original. Take a few minutes and read this thread from beginning to end and it will answer a lot of your questions. We discussed these in detail and some knowledgeable members provided a lot of insight into the variants and manufacturers. Particularly on page 2, "TABSTABS1964" goes into great detail.
Regards, Al

CLICK LINK : Division azul medal

[Aldo]

Ade,

Even without the cut outs?
Since a thicker version, would it be for officer?

There were many variants made throughout the years and for decades after the war to provide replacements for veterans of the Division Azul. Spain remained a Dictatorship until the mid 70's and the association with swastika or the German campaigns were not necessarily frowned upon. Some variants included these without cutouts and the Officer's version which was the thicker three piece construction type like below. Be sure to read the link I provided for clarification.