Miniature copper Greek cross; the face with a central medallion on which the five escutcheons of Portugal, the arms of the cross hatched; the reverse with a similar medallion inscribed ‘ASSIDUIDADE’ (Devotion), the arms of the cross hatched; the cross 14mm (½inch); on original ribbon. The award is for dedicated service to the Portuguese Red Cross. 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. Miniatures such as this are normally worn with formal evening wear.
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