Lot #93: Rare Vintage 1920s/1930s Latvian Red Cross Samaritan Course Badge – Serial No. 341

Highly collectible and historically significant Latvian Red Cross Samaritan Course Badge (Latvijas Sarkanais Krusts – Samarietis) dating to the interwar period of the 1920s–1930s. This beautifully detailed insignia features a diamond-shaped, gold-toned oak leaf wreath encompassing a vibrant red champlevé enamel cross. The base of the badge features a stylized enamel letter "S", denoting "Samarietis" (Samaritan / First Aid responder). The reverse features a hand-stamped serial issue number: 341, making this a low-numbered, traceable piece issued to an early graduate of the Latvian Red Cross medical aid courses. It retains its original horizontal stabilizing pin mechanism on the back. Organization: Latvian Red Cross (Latvijas Sarkanais Krusts) Designation: Samaritan Course Graduation Badge (Samarietis) Period: Interwar Period / Republic of Latvia (circa 1920–1939) Materials: Die-struck bronze/brass alloy with red enamel fill During the interwar independent Republic of Latvia, the Latvian Red Cross established rigorous "Samaritan" courses to train citizens in advanced field medicine, first aid, and civilian defense. While individual badges like this Samaritan variant were produced by elite Riga-based jewelers and engravers such as V. Gassners or J. Vilciņš (who handled official state orders and high-end insignia for the Red Cross and military forces), this specific die-stamped bronze issue was produced as a serialized award given only upon successful completion of training. Traceability: Low serial numbers (such as #341) are highly sought after by Baltic militaria and history enthusiasts because they represent early organization members. Pickup category timeslot {A}