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NOTICE THE SIMILAR CUFF TITLE ON THE COVER OF THE BOOK GERMAN MILITARY CUFFBANDS 1784-PRESENT BY WILLIAMSON & MCGUIRL
422
LOT 1565
Collector’s Group of Four Spanish Civil War/Legion Condor German Cuff Titles - A major element of German support to Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War, Legion Condor was a joint air-ground operation considered the first great testing ground for the Luftwaffe. Three of the titles feature “Legion Condor” embroidered on felt; one gray thread on black felt, one gray thread on deep blue felt, and one silver thread on deep blue felt. The fourth is gold wire on red twill cloth, marked “1936 Spanien 1939”. A similar cuff title appears on the cover of Gordon Williamson and Thomas McGuirl’s “German Military Cuffbands 1784-Present.” CONDITION: Good overall, showing minor wear and stains. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 1566
Spanish Nationalist Air Force Pilot Wings and Squadron Pin Attributed to Francoist Ace Jose Larios, Duke of Lerma - Both of the badges in this lot are attributed to Jose Larios, a Captain in Franco’s Nationalist Air Force. Born into the nobility of Spain and educated abroad, like many of the elite Larios threw his lot in with the conservative Nationalist forces versus the communist-associated Republicans at the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Originally taking to the air as a bombardier, he qualified for pilot training and joined the unit of Joaquin Garcia Morato, Franco’s leading fighter ace of the war. Larios himself would also rack up 6 confirmed and 5 probable air-to-air victories, earning the title of ace himself. Later in life he would publish a book, “Combat over Spain” about his exploits, signed under the title of The Duke of Lerma. The aviator wings are chiefly silver finished brass construction, with silver eagle on a red and sliver enamel roundel with a gilt propeller in the center. No maker’s marks are present. The unit pin is blue and white enamel on silver, with the number “303” at the top. the back is inscribed “Ctan JOSE LARIOS 1936-39”. CONDITION: Both are good overall, showing handling marks, edge wear and patina appropriate to age. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000