Movimiento 26 de Julio (M-26-7) enamel pendant — "Libertad o Muerte"
Entry/Object ID
2025.20.11
Description
A small trapezoidal (bell-shaped) enamel pendant with an integral suspension loop at the top. The field is divided into two horizontal bands — red above, black below — within a gilt frame. Raised gilt lettering reads "M / 26 / DE JULIO" across the division and "LIBERTAD O MUERTE" on the black band.
Acquisition
Accession
2025.20
Acquisition Method
Gift
Made/Created
Date made
circa 1959
Notes
Date: Undated. The M-26-7 emblem with the "Libertad o Muerte" motto is consistent with c. 1956–1960 (insurrectionary to early-revolutionary), straddling 1959; a later commemorative reproduction is possible. Cannot be confirmed within 1959–1990 and may fall outside it. Tentative.
Place of Origin: Cuba (the M-26-7 is Cuban). Manufacture origin not marked — movement insignia were produced both clandestinely in Cuba and by exile support clubs abroad, so this is undetermined. Tentative.
Inscription/Signature/Marks
Notes
Red band/upper field: "M 26 DE JULIO"
Black band: "LIBERTAD O MUERTE"
Materials
Material Notes
Materials: Champlevé enamel (red, black) on a gilt copper-alloy/brass base; integral suspension loop.
Technique: Die-struck/stamped metal with recessed enamel fill under a gilt finish; raised gilt lettering; integral loop.
Condition
Overall Condition
Fair
Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
M-26-7
Research Notes
Notes
The red-and-black M-26-7 emblem appeared on flags, armbands, pins, bonds, and charms used during the anti-Batista struggle and the early revolution; such items were made both inside Cuba and by exile/support clubs abroad (e.g., the Club Patriótico 26 de Julio in New York), so origin can't be settled without a mark.
The "Libertad o Muerte" wording, predating the 1960 ascendancy of "Patria o Muerte," argues for an early date.
