Spain, Order of the Red Cross. Second Class Badge and Miniature, Solid Silver. Spain, Order of the Red Cross.

This sober medal, with two attractive pieces, is the Order of the Red Cross. It is composed by a Second Class Plate and a miniature, both made of solid silver and beautifully enameled in various colors. The pieces are in excellent conditions. The medal was awarded in reward for services related to health. The symbol of the Red Cross organization is the main motive of both pieces, in different sizes. We can see a white circle with the red cross inside, surrounded by an inscription: IN HOC SIGNO SALUS, which means In this sign health. It is the Red Crosss motto. Around all these elements there is a fringe of green laurel, with a Cross of Malta at the bottom. Over this design there is a golden crown. All these elements are in front of an eight-point star, formed by silver rays; overall it is a highly elegant and beautiful item. The miniature is similar, made of the same materials and colors. This set of pieces make up a great distinction, very prestigious and perfect to complete any interesting collection of military antiques. Curiously, we know that the first Order of the Red Cross was the Masonic one, whose emblem was quite similar to the one we can see in this medal: a green seven-point star with a White circle inside, and a red cross. Nevertheless, the inscription is different. This Masonic Order was inspired by the one of the Knights Templars, which had the same name. Measurements: Plate: 75 mm width. Miniature: 20 mm height.