United Kingdom. A Badge of the Order of the League of Mercy, Ladies' Award, 1899-1946 Version

Three-piece construction, in silver with white and black enamels, marked with an anchor (made in Birmingham), the British lion and date marked "F" (1930), along with being maker marked "V&B" (Vaughtons Limited of Birmingham) on the reverse, reverse centrepiece inscribed "LEAGUE OF MERCY 1898", measuring 38.7 mm (w) x 51.3 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, original bow-tied Ladies'-style ribbon with pinback, the pinback marked "SILVER", near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red exterior, inside lid in white cloth and maker marked "VAUGHTONS Ltd / Goldsmiths & Silversmiths / BIRMINGHAM.", base with a medal bed in navy blue felt and slotted for the pinback, scuffing evident on the exterior, case very fine. 

Footnote: The League of Mercy was a British foundation established on March 30, 1899 by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria. The goal of the organization was to recruit a large number of volunteers to aid the sick and suffering at charity hospitals. It was disbanded at the establishment of the National Health Service in 1947, with its royal charter subsequently surrendered. In its lifetime it collected a total of £850,000, £600,000 for London Hospitals and £250,000 for rural 'cottage hospitals' with subscriptions being as little as a shilling (12p) a year for servants and tradespeople.