Circular gilt bronze medal with laterally-pierced ball suspension and original suspension bar decorated with laurel leaves; the face with a Phrygian bonnet bearing a five-pointed star above a fasces within a wreath of oak and laurel, circumscribed ‘HONOR DEBER VALOR’ (Honour, Duty, Valour); the reverse inscribed ‘* CUBA *’ and circumscribed ‘POR SERVICIOS DISTINGUIDOS A LA PATRIA’ (For distinguished service to the homeland); gilded for officers; traces of metal polish and age oxidisation; on original, rather tired ribbon. The Phrygian cap was intended to symbolise the rights of man - Equality, Liberty and Fraternity, the star denoted independence and the fasces authority. This example dates from the 1930s or 1940s. All pre-revolutionary Cuban awards are hard to find.
|