Red Cross Nurse's Handkerchief, Presumed WWI victorian paper lace die cut There was a second edition

There was a second edition published in 1862

and would certainly make a nice toy for a child still

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

See detail photos

so I shot most having removed the image from the frame

Red Cross Nurse's Handkerchief, Presumed WWI victorian paper lace die cut There was a second editionI 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