Red Cross Nurse's Handkerchief, Presumed WWI victorian paper lace die cut One small tear to upper

One small tear to upper left of paper incurred in handling

Lid closes tights and comes off easily

There was a second edition published in 1862

right down to bright red lips and fingernails

with what appears to be a hand-engraved brass INRI (excellent lettering) banner affixed to the cross just above

Red Cross Nurse's Handkerchief, Presumed WWI victorian paper lace die cut One small tear to upperI believe this is WW1, a (near) white gauzy handkerchief with Red Cross patch stitched along one edge, which would have been used by a nurse for all sorts of functions, and which to me embodies the very notion of bandaging in an essential and very iconic sort of way. I find it a very tender thing, and very beautiful both for its spareness and history of use. 20 7 8" x 15 1 4". General light stains toning, all of a piece with it. Fabric is cotton