United Kingdom. A First War Royal Red Cross, Second Class

George V. In silver with red enamels, measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 35.5 mm (h), slight tarnishing, suspended from a strap sewn in place to its original ribbon, near extremely fine. In case of issue, by Garrard & Co, single loose hinge, otherwise very fine.

Footnote: The Royal Red Cross was established on April 27, 1883 by Queen Victoria, with a single class of Member and first awarded into the founder of Modern Nursing, Florence Nightingale. A second and lower class, Associate, was added during the First World War in 1917. The award is made to a fully trained nurse of an officially recognized nursing service, military or civilian, who has shown exceptional devotion and competence in the performance of actual nursing duties, over a continuous and long period, or who has performed some very exceptional act of bravery and devotion at his or her post of duty. This decoration had the distinction of being conferred exclusively to females until 1976. It is conferred on members of the nursing services regardless of rank. Holders of the Second Class who receive a further award are promoted to the First Class, although an initial award can also be made in the First Class. Holders of the First Class who receive a further award are awarded a bar. Recipients of the Royal Red Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters ""RRC"" or ""ARRC"" for Members and Associates respectively. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.