Cuba, Spain. A Group of Three Cuban Campaign and Volunteer Service Medals

1. (Medalla de la Constancia de los Voluntarios de Cuba) A Medal of Constancy for the Volunteers of Cuba, in silver, the obverse featuring the left-facing bust of King Alfonso XII surrounded by the inscription “ALFONSO XII A LOS VOLUNTARIOS DE CUBA” above the date “1882”, the reverse inscribed “CONSTANCIA PATRIOTISMO Y ABNEGACION”, with fleur-de-lis style cross arms, suspended from a replacement ribbon composed of a broad yellow central stripe flanked by red edge stripes, measuring approximately 39.0 mm x 57.0 mm inclusive of its suspension device.

2. (Medalla de la Campaña de Cuba 1895-1898) A Cuba Campaign Medal, in bronze, the obverse featuring the conjoined busts of Alfonso XIII and Queen Regent Maria Christina surrounded by the inscription “CAMPAÑA DE CUBA 1895-1898”, the reverse bearing the crowned cipher “M” above the inscription “EJERCITO DE OPERACIONES”, suspended from a replacement ribbon composed of a broad white central stripe flanked by red edge stripes, measuring 37.0 mm x 56.7 mm inclusive of its suspension device.

3. (Medalla de los Voluntarios de Cuba 1895-1898) A Cuba Volunteers Medal, in bronze, the obverse featuring the conjoined busts of Alfonso XIII and Queen Regent Maria Christina surrounded by the inscription “CAMPAÑA DE CUBA 1895-1898”, the reverse bearing the crowned cipher “M” above the inscription “EJERCITO DE OPERACIONES”, suspended from a replacement ribbon composed of alternating blue and pale pink vertical stripes, measuring 35.6 mm x 36.9 mm inclusive of its suspension device.

All items are in fine to very fine condition, with light wear and age toning.

Footnote: The Volunteer Corps of Cuba formed an important auxiliary force supporting Spanish colonial administration and military operations on the island during the late nineteenth century. The Medal of Constancy recognized long and faithful service within these volunteer formations. The Cuba Campaign Medals of 1895–1898 were instituted during the Cuban War of Independence and awarded to Spanish military personnel and associated volunteer units participating in operations against the independence movement prior to the Spanish-American War of 1898.