An early badge of the Grand Cross (Military Division) of reduced size to be worn at the buttonhole, of the type reserved to Knights of the Garter, GOLD, 38x28 mm., white enameled, gold filleted cross of Maltese type with ball-finials, flanked by Britain’s lions passant-guardant, white enameled obverse centre medallion bearing the three crowns and a bough with a rose and a thistle, red enameled border with the motto “TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO”, the whole within broad, green enameled laurel wreath, tied below by blue enameled riband bearing the motto “ICH DIEN”, the reverse, same as the obverse, but the lions, showing their backs, large, upper loop, round ribbon ringand original, crimson ribbon fitted with typical golden buckle on top and a finely chiseled openwork crown, also made of gold.
A beautiful, most rare, early cross, from the 1st quarter of 19th Century.
provenance: The Clayton Collection, auctioned at Spink’s, 2001 I RR!
note: according to J.C. Risk, “The History of the Order of the Bath”, London,
Spink, 1972: “(...) By Order of H.R.H. The Prince Regent, Badges of those Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath who were also Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter were to be surmounted by a crown. The group was small and select. The only persons qualified were the Prince Regent; the Royal Dukes of York, Kent, Clarence, Cumberland, Cambridge, and Gloucester; and the Duke of Wellington. Although the custom soon lapsed, four different badges were produced; one for the Collar Chain; one for the Sash; another for wear around the neck; and a small version for wear from the button-hole.”