Droop Tail Eagle Spanish Cross

[Craig Gottlieb]

I am well aware of the controversy surrounding the "droop tail" Spanish Cross, and it is certainly a badge I would never offer for sale. Reading the two main threads on this piece, I wonder if a good discussion on the subject (one that is void of personality conflicts and personal agendas) that is well-moderated, could be attempted.

That said, I just acquired a droop-tail award for FREE (it came in a collection, and I valued it as a reproduction). To show that I have NO dog in this fight, if this cross is ever deemed to be original, I would sell it, and publically donate the money to charity.

I'll begin the discussion by posting photos of the piece I own. I would like to note that it has the "convex" center button, when viewed from the side.

[Craig Gottlieb]

Second picture.

[Craig Gottlieb]

Third picture.

[Craig Gottlieb]

Another

[Craig Gottlieb]

Another. This is not a good picture, but it does show the slight convexity of the center button.

[Craig Gottlieb]

The main arguments I have seen for this type being reproduction are:

1) S&L is said to have made them, and S&L is not a very "reliable" company, as they made plenty of post-war stuff.

2) Droop-tail eagles pre-date the Spanish Cross, so are anachronistic to the cross.

3) We don't see period illustrations of this variant.

4) No photo has surfaced showing a recipient wearing a "droop tail" variant.

[Erich B.]

This should be an interesting discussion, provided it doesn't descend into the depths of personal attacks that the last 2 on the subject did. I think Dietrich had noted that the cross pictured previously was identical to a 'textbook' example with the exception of the unusual eagles. The pin setup is different on this one, but not an unknown type. I know little about SCs except what I've read here, and so I hope some experts join in.
Erich

[Jody]

Spanish Cross

Hi Craig,
I don't trust them at all and I actually got burned with one of these back in 1981 (I purchased it from a friend of Angolia's and it of course came with a CA of authenticity from Angolia). The example I had was the silver version w/out swords and it also had a convex center button.

INFO magazine did a great article on these in issue # 57/58 (August 1988) pages 40-42.

Regards,
Jody

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Craig,

I am not a big SC guy, but will start off with some general observations from my experience with other Combat and Qualification badges and awards:

1. The reverse setup reminds me of '57 awards, specifically the pin. Would like to see some better shots of the catch and hinge at angles, which will help analyze these parts.

2. The swastikas appear asymmetrical and the eagles breast feathering looks quite ameaturish, not something I would expect from an early quality award.

3. Blackening/patina on the obverse looks artifical to me, the way it is in the edges of the cross. Just looks a little too neat.

This will be a good topic, and commend you on donating the money should opinions be favorable on this one.

Tom

[Craig Gottlieb]

It would be great, if copywrite would allow, to post the article! Also, I almost didn't start this thread, but feel that if we judiciously disallow any comments that are even slightly off-color or personal in nature. I also wish to reiterate that this is not about proving or disproving THIS badge, but rather, discussing the droop-tail badge in general. Also, to reply to Tom's good points, I would only say that many luftwaffe swastikas appear uneven and unequally formed, as do eagle breasts. I do agree that the pin reminds me of 57 type awards.

[Mike Kenny]

For me, regardless of the eagles, that hardware yells "post-war" to me.

Regards
Mike

[Jody]

Article

It would be great, if copywrite would allow, to post the article! Also, I almost didn't start this thread, but feel that if we judiciously disallow any comments that are even slightly off-color or personal in nature. I also wish to reiterate that this is not about proving or disproving THIS badge, but rather, discussing the droop-tail badge in general. Also, to reply to Tom's good points, I would only say that many luftwaffe swastikas appear uneven and unequally formed, as do eagle breasts. I do agree that the pin reminds me of 57 type awards.

Hi Craig,
Believe it or not I don't have a scanner anymore. I will be visiting Stonemint this Saturday and I will scan it over at his house and send it to you. How about that?

I also agree that the fittings look post-war 1957 type and the eagles on my example looked like the eagles on your example-very crude. The feathering on the chest is a dead give-away it is not consistent from eagle to eagle. Plus it really isn't feathering at all but a mere cross-hatched effect. The eyeballs on your eagles were like mine, a big round circle.

Regards,
Jody

[Craig Gottlieb]

That would be super. If it's allowed, maybe you could also post it here for us to read?

[Don D.]

For me, regardless of the eagles, that hardware yells "post-war" to me.

Regards
Mike

I agree.

[mbberlin]

IMO a bad looking copy.