Dame’s Badge, 2nd type, White Distinction. Neck Badge, 62x50 mm., GOLD, as a, purple-red enameled Maltese cross superimposed by a white enameled, 8-pointed star with chiseled borders and ball-finials set with DIAMONDS, the whole flanked by elaborate ornamentation of toned silver, off-white enameled centre medallion with white border bearing the motto “FORTITUDO – CHARITAS – ABNEGATIO” in black, around a “Gothic” ornament, within a roughly quadrangular outer border with chiseled details, below a poly- chrome enameled allegory of the Charity, rising from green enameled laurel wreath, elaborately ornamented upper loop, with round suspension ring, the reverse, similar to the obverse, but without the allegoric image, off-white enameled centre medallion within white enameled outer circlet, bearing inscription “BENEFICENCIA PUBLICA” and green enameled laurel wreath, elaborate suspension with cylindrical loop and round ribbon-ring, with original, bow-ribbon for ladies.
A beautiful, rare piece from the 2nd quarter of 20th Century, excellent condition. I RR!