Bronze Greek (Geneva) cross, vertically hatched for the heraldic colour ‘gules’ (red), with laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the five escutcheons of Portugal within a circular border; the reverse with a circular central medallion inscribed ‘ASSIDUIDADE’ (Devotion) within a circular border; a small indentation to the lower arm of the reverse; on original somewhat tatty ribbon. The Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (Portuguese Red Cross) was founded on 11 February 1865 by Dr. José António Marques, making it one of the oldest such societies, and it is still very active both within Portugal and internationally, with particular emphasis on Africa and Latin America. A good example of some age.
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