Honour Decoration of the Red Cross, Civil Division, I Class Cross (for Women)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 02.AUT.0103.102.01.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Austria, Empire. An Honour Decoration of the Red Cross, First Class for Ladies, c.1915
(Ehrenzeichen vom Roten Kreuz). A Latin cross constructed of silver, with red and white enameled arms; the obverse consisting of a central white enameled medallion with a red enameled red cross, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “Patriae Ac Humanitati” (Latin - For Country and Humanity) in silver gilt capital lettering; the arms of the cross enameled with white enamels on the outer edge and red and red enamels on the interior of the arms; the reverse enameled in the same style, with a central white enameled medallion dated “1864-1914); on a loop for suspension; marked on the loop but illegible due to wear - the cross itself marked with a Vienna city assay mark, a mark for silver content, and maker marked “FR”, likely for “C.F. Rothe, Wien”; on its period original lady’s ribbon with a miniature ribbon attached to the obverse; measuring 46.50 mm (w) x 56.32 (h); weighing 36.4 grams with its ribbon; in better than extremely fine condition.
This decoration was instituted by Franz Joseph I to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Convention.
It was awarded to recognize individuals who had provided extraordinary contributions within voluntary nursing, and emergency or Red Cross services during peace and wartime.
The War Decoration was added to the cross to recognize meritorious service in wartime.
The War Decoration is a green enamelled laurel wreath between the cross arms. When the War Decoration was awarded on a Silver or Bronze Medal grade, the green enamelled laurel wreath encircles the obverse medallion.
When the cross was awarded to women it was worn on a bow ribbon.
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