Société de Secours aux Blessés Militaires

Relief Society for Military Wounded membership medal. The SBBM (Société de Secours aux Blessés Militaires) was actually the first organization (title) of the French Red Cross (in the followance of the roughly outlined ideas during signing of first Geneva Convetion), founded in 1864. The original SBBM had split into 3 branches: SBBM, ADF (1879 - Association of Ladies of France - this was meant for women of Catholic orientation) and UFF (1881 - Union of the Women of France, meant for the women of Protestant orientation). Action of all 3 branches were jointly managed by a Central Committee (established in 1907) and continued to operate until 1940 when CRF (Croix-Rouge Française) was established.

Medal offered here is remarkable due to attribution. Beautifully hand engraved on the revese : " 1918 Anna C. Maxwell". This would definitely be the SBBM honourary membership badge of one of the most infuential women in the American Red Cross - Anna Caroline Maxwell, credited with being instrumental in establishing of the US Army Nurse Corps. She is often referred to as "American Florence Nightingale".

Original medal in silvered copper, shows slight wear. Ribbon lightly soiled. Rare opportunity to own this historically important item in the 'life' of the American Red Cross. Medal measures 26.1mm in width (oval part).