Cuba, Republic and Revolutionary Period. A Group of Cuban Military and Political Insignia

1. (Medalla a los Veteranos de la Guerra Hispano-Americana) Medal for the Veterans of the wars of Latin American Independence, instituted in 1912, struck in silver, the obverse depicting a classical female allegorical figure beneath a radiant star with the inscription “CUBA A LOS VETERANOS DE LA GUERRA HISPANO-AMERICANA”, the reverse featuring the Cuban coat of arms within a wreath alongside the inscription “FIRST THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE ISLAND OF CUBA ARE, AND OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE FREE AND INDEPENDENT. FROM THE JOINT RESOLUTION OF APRIL 20TH 1898”, complete with integral suspension loop and hanger, measuring 36.3 mm in diameter, weighing 32.9 grams.

2. (Movimiento 26 de Julio) constructed of gilt metal with red, black, and white enamel, shield-shaped, the face bearing the inscription “MOVIMIENTO DE JULIO” surrounding a white star and “26”, reverse screwback attachment intact, measuring 12.4 mm x 14.1 mm.

3. (O.M.I. Paramilitary Members Pin) constructed of gilt metal with green and black enamel, featuring crossed rifles beneath the initials “O.M.I.”, with horizontal pinback to the reverse, measuring 22.4 mm x 25 mm.

4. (Republic of Cuba Army Guards Badges) a pair of gilt and enamel screwback badges, each depicting the Cuban national flag above a white shield bearing the Cuban coat of arms within a wreath, with the initials “RC” at the base, both retaining their original screwback discs.

All items are in good to fair condition, with age wear, oxidation, enamel damage, and enamel cracking present on the Army Guards badges.

Footnote: The Cuban Veterans Medal for the War of Independence was instituted by the Republic of Cuba in 1912 to honour veterans who participated in the struggle for Cuban independence and the events surrounding the 1898 conflict. The inscription on the reverse derives from the United States Joint Resolution of April 20, 1898, recognizing Cuban independence. The Movimiento 26 de Julio badge relates to Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement founded following the 1953 Moncada Barracks attack, becoming the principal revolutionary organization that overthrew the Batista government in 1959. O.M.I. paramilitary insignia are associated with Cuban nationalist or militia organizations active during the Republican period.