Florence Nightingale Medal in original case, awarded in 1949.

Florence Nightingale Medal, silver-gilt elliptical form, obverse showing three-quarter length portrait of Florence Nightingale within inscription 'Memoriam Florence Nightingale 1820-1910 AD', reverse engraved with recipient's name and date awarded, 'Clea Vassilopoulos 12 Mai 1949', suspended from enamel red cross encircled by a laurel wreath, with ribbon, brooch pin attachment verso, impressed 925 and further marked Huguenin Locle, in original green leather case of issue. <p>

This commemorative Florence Nightingale Medal was instituted in 1912 by the International Committee of the Red Cross, to be awarded to trained nurses, matrons, nursing organisers or voluntary aids for distinguished or exceptional service in the nursing field. Due to the disruption of the First World War, the initial awards were not made until 1920. Originally awarded to only 6 nurses annually and restricted to female nurses, it is now open to both men and women and awarded every other year to a maximum of 50 nurses internationally. It is awarded on the anniversary of Miss Nightingale's birthday, 12th May. <p>