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Auction: 24113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 631

The K.C.I.E. pair awarded to Sir A. J. L. Cappel, Director of Telegraph Services for British India, who served with the Turkish Contingent during the Crimean War in his youth, latterly initiating and officiating the Indian Telegraph Service

The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, K.C.I.E., Knight Commander’s set of Insignia, by R. & S. Garrard & Co., 25 Haymarket, London, comprising neck Badge, 78mm including crown suspension x 52mm, gold and enamel, with original gold clasps and fittings; breast Star, 78mm, silver with gold and enamel appliqué centre, gold retaining pin, in its R. & S. Garrard & Co case of issue; Turkish Crimea 1855, British die, mounted as worn with silver buckle, replacement silver clip and ring suspension, good very fine (3)

K.C.I.E. London Gazette 15 February 1887.

Albert James Leppoc Cappel was born on 17 August 1836 in Islington, Middlesex, the son of James Leppoc Cappel of Brunswick Grove, Holloway. When he was still young his father moved to British India and Cappel is often misreported to have been born there. He served with the Turkish Contingent from 1855-56 (Turkish Medal only) and then joined the Indian Telegraph Service in 1857.

A truly fledgling service at the time, by 1866 Cappel was responsible for the first Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable and was Director of Telegraph Traffic in 1869, Deputy Director General of the Service by 1879 anf finally Director of Telegraphs, India in 1883. Retired in 1888, Cappel remained active in the Telegraph industry, sitting as Director of Globe Telegraph and Trust Company besides as Trustee of the Submarine Cable Trust. A member of the St Stephen's Club, his final years were spent at Kensington Court Gardens. Sir Albert died on 20 April 1924, his ashes being scattered but his name memorialised on a tomb at Brompton Cemetery; sold together with a fine cased portrait miniature, gilt and enamel frame, 80mm x 68mm, the reverse engraved 'Sir Albert James Leppoc Cappel K.C.I.E. 1836-1924, signed 'R. Collings' and housed in fitted leather travel frame with strut, 115mm x 130mm, together with a pair of Invitations to Celebrate the Birthday of the Queen-Empress by The Viceroy, for Dinner on 28 May 1885 and a Ball on 28 May 1885, the reverse of both with most charming illustrations, besides a series of family Certificates & Documents, besides pair of photographs.

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Sold for
£5,800

Starting price
£3000