Spanish Fermin Submarine Badge

[Chaun64]

Hey all... I have a badge that is a bit of a conundrum. This Spanish badge by the jeweler Fermin has a silver content mark used from 1934-1988 and a jeweler's hallmark that seems to point to Spain... but I can't figure out the approximate dates it was made!

The stone in the middle is red carnelian - no indication it was ever gilt, but it could have been polished. I have seen photos of 2 others online - one with no stone in the center (supposedly found in the Med near an old base) and one with paint in the center. These things all "feel" old, and some folks think they are from the 1920s or 1930s, but some folks are of the opinion these are post-Franco (mid 1970s)... quite the range! Any insights would be greatly appreciated!


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and here is the back - the silver content says "916/000":

[TabsTabs1964]

Hello friend. The submarine branch of the Spanish Navy has existed since 1915.

The key to the question is in the Crown. It is a Royal crown, so there are only two possibilities:

That it is from the reign of Alfonso XIII (until 1931 when the Republic was proclaimed)

That it is from the reign of Juan Carlos I, from 1978 to the present.

When it is not from is the time of the Civil War (1936-1939) or the Government of Franc (1939-1975) because in both periods the crown of the submarine branch (and the rest of the navy) was the imperial crown


Franco era submarine emblem


Emblem of submarines from the time of Juan Carlos I (mid-1980s)

Most likely, given its appearance and apparent age, it is from this last period IMHO.

PS. Although I must admit that this is not at all my area of ​​expertise and it may be from the period up to 1931, as it is made in silver and by a jeweler. Consider my opinion not definitive. Perhaps other members can clarify this doubt.

Regards
Santi

[Chaun64]

Thanks so much for the reply Santi!

The first Spanish submarine badges used the crown of Alphonse XIII until 1931 when the monarchy fell as you said... then the crown was "officially" removed from insignia... except in some cases where it wasn't! And then, of course, the mural crown began to be used with the Franco regime. But, there isa badge that was used by Italians fighting for the Nationalists under the "Spanish Legion" flag... and they were issued the below badge. Note the similarities in style... and crown! So, you can understand my confusion...