Miscellaneous

A replica of the ‘Nightingale Jewel’, presented to Miss Florence Nightingale by H. M. Queen Victoria in 1855. Nightingale Jewel, 62mm x 56mm, silver-gilt and enamel, in the form of an oval brooch, with the cross of St. George at the centre surmounted by a crowned Royal cypher ‘VR’, ‘Blessed are the Merciful’ inscribed around, with ‘Crimea’ at base, three ‘diamond’ stars at top, and laurel branches either side, the whole surrounded by an open lattice decoration, with pin-back brooch suspension, very fine £400-£600 --- The original Nightingale Jewel, designed by Prince Albert, was presented to Miss Florence Nightingale by H.M. Queen Victoria in November 1855 in recognition of her devoted services to the sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, and was inscribed on the back ‘To Miss Florence Nightingale, as a mark of esteem and gratitude for her devotion towards the Queen’s brave soldiers. From Victoria R., 1855’. A unique award created entirely at the Queen’s behest, a note sold with this badge claims that these replicas were made for and given by Florence Nightingale to those nurses who had worked alongside her at Scutari although this has not been confirmed. A similar replica, although of poorer quality than the one offered here, was offered for sale at Bosley’s in November 2018, and realised £440.