Royal British Nurses Association,Silver Vice Consul Badge

A Rare silver pendant Vice Consul badge for the Royal British Nurses Association.In excellent condition.It features a Pattee or Maltese cross with the Royal crown in the centre.In each corner of the cross are the Rose,Shamrock,Leek and Thistle of the four countries of the UK.The suspension bar bears the motto of the RBNA, Steadfast and True.This is hung from a rather distressed (dirty)white silk ribbon which in turn is suspended from an ornate pin back bar brooch bearing Vice Consul Founded in 1887 as the first professional organisation for Nurses in the world,it's aim was for the organisation and registration of Nurses.See http://www.rbna.org.uk/background.asp
In excellent condition,pin and clasp are intact.Engraved to Elizabeth Davies 3314 it bears hallmarks for E&Co Ld( Elkington & Co Ltd) and the year letter for 1898. According to the records(http://www.kingscollections.org/nurses/about) Elizabeth Davies registered on November 24th 1893,having gained her certificate at Chelsea Infirmary Feb 1889.She went on to work as Matron at Essex and Colchester Hospital until 1905 and then at The Royal National Hospital for Consumption,Ventnor on the Isle of Wight
I believe that the silver version of the badge was worn by senior members of the organisation and this is worthy of further research.An early and scarce scarce item of Nursing history.Height 46mm

Code: 51487