United Kingdom. A Royal Red Cross, Ii Class, By Garrard & Co.

George V. In silver with red enamels, measuring 35.7 mm (w) x 41 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, very light contact, on its original bow-tied ribbon with pinback, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, marked "R. R. C. 2nd CLASS" along with large "2" on the lid, maker marked "GARRARD & Co. Ltd." on the inside lid, recessed blue velvet medal bed, scuffing evident on the exterior, wear in one corner and exposing the underlying wooden frame, case 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.