GREAT BRITAIN
The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India
An Early Commander’s Set: badge of the Order in GOLD, 85x50 mm, with centre medallion made as a cameo with the portrait of the young Queen Victoria facing left; pale blue enameled outer circlet with the Order’s motto “HEAVEN’S GUIDE OUR LIGHT” made of chiselled silver letters, all set with brilliants; GOLD border with baroque ornaments five-pointed star suspension in silver, plain, gilt-silver ribbon ring, with original neck ribbon; breast star, 85 mm, with slightly flamed rays; gilt silver centre medallion with a silver, chiselled five-pointed star within a white bordered, pale blue enameled circlet made as in form of a tied ribbon (tiny chips to the left ribbon’s end) with the Order’s motto in separately made, silver, chiselled letters, all set with diamonds; plain
reverse with centre disc engraved with the maker’s mark: “R. & S. Garrard & Co. Goldsmiths and Jewellers to the Crown 25 Haymarket London” and gold pin; in the original, black morocco fitted case of issue with maker’s mark of Garrard on the inner cushion and a further, full-length neck ribbon.
A very rare set of the finest quality, very fine condition.
The Order of the Star of India was created in 1861 by Queen Victoria, several years after the Indian Mutiny, when Britain’s power and government in India were again solid and well-established. It was destined to reward Indian Princes and Chiefs as well as British Officers and Civil Administrative who saw their service in India and were signaled for their conspicuous merits. Diplomatically, the first award was done to the heads of the Indian Maharajas and Princes and to the highest British authorities in India.
After 1948, no further award was granted. Since 2009, with the death of the last Knight, the Maharaja of Alwar, the Order became dormant. With 229 diamonds for a total of 0.491 ct.
I/II RR!

Estimate: EUR 20000 - 40000