Imperial Russian Empress's Special Red Cross Order 1916 Silver Medal & Case

A rare original First World War circa 1916 'Empress's Special Red Cross Order' presentation silver gilt medal in the form of a double headed eagle, bearing red enamel cross on its breast with the cypher of 'Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna'; the reverse impressed with Birmingham silver hallmarks for 1916 and maker's details 'HSW&B'. Very good condition, complete with original white, blue and red silk ribbon and suspension pin bar, housed in its original purple case with gold tooled badge to the lid.
These medals were designed and named by the Tsarina herself and presented in recognition of distinguished service in organising and raising funds during the 'Russia Day' flag day events. The funds were used to help establish the Anglo-Russian Hospitals including that at Petrograd. The Tsarina was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria and retained her strong bond with her mother country, Great Britain and the British Red Cross. She would be murdered along with her husband the Tsar of Russia and her children in July 1918.

Code: 66580