The Florence Nightingale Medal of the International Red Cross Society

A very rare original Florence Nightingale Medal of the IRCS
It is the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve and is awarded to nurses or nursing aides for "exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick or disabled or to civilian victims of a conflict or disaster" or "exemplary services or a creative and pioneering spirit in the areas of public health or nursing education"
Instigated in 1912, it was initially set up to be awarded to six nurses annually, although the first 42 awards were only made in 1920 due to the disruption of the First World War.To date only 1,483 medals have been awarded.
The medal is composed of gold and silver-gilt and bears a portrait of Florence Nightingale surrounded by the words 'Ad memoriam Florence Nightingale 1820-1910'.On the reverse, the name of the recipient and the date of the award are engraved, surrounded by the inscription 'Pro vera misericordia et cara humanitate perennis décor universalis' ('true and loving humanitarianism - a lasting general propriety'). The medal is attached to a white and red ribbon by a clasp featuring a red enamel cross encircled by a green laurel crown.
This original medal has unfortunately had the recipient's name erased however it bears Silver hallmarks for T&S London 1922 and so would have been one of the first few series of awards made.Condition is good although with one small knock to the enamel of the red cross and minor stains to the original silk ribbon.
A rare and impressive piece.

Code: 52147