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1883 – Royal Red Cross 1st class

This magnificent diamond and cornelian stone bracelet was presented to Florence by the Sultan before her return to Britain on 28 July 1856. The gift was accompanied by a financial donation for the nurses and hospitals. In a letter from Queen Victoria to the Secretary of State for War, Fox Maule, 2nd Baron Panmure, dated 27 July 1856, the Queen refers to Nightingale's application for permission to accept these presents: “The Queen returns this letter of Miss Nightingale's. She had already heard of the gifts of the Sultan's, through Lord Stratford, who communicated with Lord Clarendon on the subject, and asked the Queen's permission for Miss Nightingale to accept the bracelet, as well as the sum of money for the Nurses and Hospitals. The Queen entirely approves of the intended distribution of the money.” On her death in 1910, this bracelet was one of a number of items, along with the “Nightingale Jewel” and the marble bust of Florence were donated to the Royal United Service Institution by the executors of her estate, in accordance with her desire that they should be “where the soldiers could see them”.

1856 - Bracelet from Sultan of Turkey

Sometimes referred to as the “Nightingale Jewel”, this brooch, the design of which was supervised by Prince Albert The Prince Consort, is engraved with a dedication from Queen Victoria, “To Miss Florence Nightingale, as a mark of esteem and gratitude for her devotion towards the Queen's brave soldiers, from Victoria R. 1855”. The brooch was not intended to serve merely as a piece of jewellery, but rather, in the absence of a medal or established decoration suitable for presentation to such a female civilian, it stood as a badge of royal appreciation. Brooch was made by jewelers of R and S Garrard and Co in gold, encrusted with diamonds and beautifully enameled.

1855- Nightingale Jewel

During her remarkable life and career Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingale) was decorated with many unique and beautiful awards. These rarities are currently on display in National Army Museum, London. Here they come together with museum narratives.

Reverse close up Stunning details ....

Reverse

The only info I could find is that this medal was issued back in 1865 by Guangdong Governor Buyuan Rui and Guangxi governor Tong Jian Shu. Purpose of this beautiful medal is unknown to me. Obverse (? )

P.S. 100% authentic order Enjoy! ;)

№ 42 was discussed in this forum 6 years ago and was recognized by members as a fake http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/5329-strange-order-of-the-red-banner/page__st__20 № 39 was recently discussed in WW2 russian forum with same sad result …. http://ww2.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=1280681 Cheers, Nick

№ 39 vs. № 42 (reverses)

№ 39 vs. № 42 (obverses)

Please note how different is engraving style!!! And no mark Which is actually nice touch, because it shouldn’t be used after 1927

№ 42

Interesting that Sobiratel noted at the bottom of the page that “Photo was granted by Kristoph Steidel-Porent, Slovenia”. Looks like not anymore And now № 42

Obviously we are talking about two identical specimens. Only today № 39 looks a little bit cleaner

Actually this specimen is known for a long time because it was published by well know russian site “Sobiratel” http://www.sobiratel...edBaner/LRB.htm Here comes the obverse.

Here comes the screw plate.

№ 39

Type 2 This type has very stable features. The most prominent are 1) letter З in ЗСФСР covered by wreath 2) absence of cotton flowers 3) reverse construction (ridges instead of rivets) 4) number not stamped, but engraved We have clear photos of two such specimens: specimen № 39 and specimen № 42. Allow me again to post obverse and reverse of № 39.

Dubious specimens (let’s call them like that ) Type 1 Unfortunately I don’t have photo of reverse.

Paper clip

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