A complete set to the Grand Cordon class of the Order in Silver and gilt Silver: the collar composed of six gilt calligraphic “LM” monograms (”Lion Malawi”) highlighted in black enamel and six gilt lions passant, with red enameled tongues; gilt silver badge of the Order as a cross of maltese type, the arms enameled in black and bordered in green; gilt silver centre medallion bearing the embossed face of a lion, within red enameled outer circlet bearing the Order’s motto “UNITY AND FREEDOM” in gilt lettering, round upper loop and circular suspension ring; Breast Star as a reverse pentagon of waving gilt rays superimposed by a silver star composed of five larger and five smaller, faceted, trianngular rays, gilt centre medallion with the embossed face of a lion within red enameled outer circlet bearing the Order’s motto; the reverrse with “frosted” finish and mirror-polished countermedallion bearing the horizontally arranged maker’s escutcheon of Spink & Son, London; broad, vertical pin; complete with the original, full-length sash ribbon with bow; in the original wine-red morocco presentation case, the lid bearing the gold embossed inscription “ORDER OF THE LION OF MALAWI”; red velvet, fitted inner compartment, ivory-white, silk inner cushion, with maker’s mark of Spink & Son, London.
A beautiful, early set of the highest class of this Order instituted in 1967 by president Kamzu Banda, discontinued in 2008, excellent condition.
Provenance: the property of the Earls of Airlie.
Dim.: the collar, l. 96,0 cm; the badge, 65,0 x 65,0 mm.; the star, dia. 75,0 mm.