Cuba, Republic. An Order of Honor & Merit of the National Red Cross, Grand Cross Star, by Vilardebo y Riera, c.1915

(La Orden de Honor y Mérito de la Cruz Roja Cubana). Instituted 1913. Type I. 1913-1978 issue. Of local manufacture, a fine eight-pointed faceted star in silver gilt, obverse featuring a nicely enameled red Latin Cross, depicting five-pointed silver star in each quadrant, centre medallion exhibiting a handmade Cuban coat of arms, surrounded by an enameled white border with Latin inscription INTER INIMICOS CHARITAS 1909 (Charity between Enemies), and Spanish inscription ORDEN DE HONOR Y MERITO (Order of Honor and Merit), reverse with principle pin assembly, marked by maker’s cartouche of VILARDEBO Y RIERA, the principal jeweler in Havana and highly recognized by the quality of their products, measuring 81.62 mm (w) x 82.63 mm (h), presenting minor tarnished gilt, a fine piece in extremely good condition.

Footnote: The Order was instituted by Presidential Decree on January 31, 1913. The Cuban Red Cross was founded on May 14, 1909, and soon after it was allowed to grant awards in the country. The Order was awarded for meritorious services according to the rank of the recipient. The Order was abolished in 1977.