Eight-pointed gilt metal rayed cross, each arm with five rays with beaded edges, with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central white enamel medal bearing a gilt-edged red enamel Greek (Geneva) cross, circumscribed ‘MAGYAR · VÖRÖSKERESZT’ (Hungarian Red Cross); the reverse plain; on original ribbon with rectangular gilt metal plaque bearing the dates ‘1881 1981’. The medal was awarded to senior members of the Hungarian Red Cross to mark the 100th anniversary of its foundation. The Hungarian Women’s National Aid Society was founded on 27 March 1879, trained nurses and undertook relief work. An assembly organised by Gyula Károlyi under the patronage of the King met on 16 May 1881 and set up the Hungarian Red Cross Society and the two societies merged on 17 May 1881. The Society became a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1882. A striking and rare award.
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