Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve,Silver Nurses Cape badge

Another of these Large and heavy Silver(not marked as such)Badges for the Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve. Formed in March 1897,it's members,who worked as Nurses in civilian Hospitals,were to be mobilised in times of conflict to staff the Army's Hospitals.Their major debut was in the 2nd Boer War in South Africa where many served bravely.
The distinctive badge features a Greek cross with each arm topped by a Princesses crown.In the four corners of the cross are respectively a Rose,Thistle, Acorn and Shamrock.The title Princess Christian's Army Nursing Service Reserve appears around the edge.Condition is good although it has been highly polished with some loss of definition to the ribbed surface of the cross.Pin and clasp are good.Unmarked to rear,which is unusual as the issue number is normally marked on the back, this only being the second unmarked one I have seen.A safety chain has been added, the first such alteration I have seen. I did believe that this badge may have been an unissued one, however the addition of the safety chain suggests otherwise. A rare and desirable badge.height 48mm

Code: 52143