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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 262

The Most Noble Order of the Garter, an impressive and early Prelate's badge, gold and enamel, 39.16g overall, hallmarks for London 1803, St. George weilding a gold lance and slaying the Dragon, surrounded by the circular Garter and motto in gold on dark-blue enamel ground, surmounted by a Bishop's mitre, hinged, with suspension loop for wearing from a chain or riband, the reverse of the same design with the addition of a contemporary, finely-executed gold pin attached at 3 and 9 o'clock respectively, 75mm x 41mm overall, slight loss of green enamel to Dragon's tail, grip of lance absent, otherwise nearly extremely fine, of excellent quality and extremely rare

Since the time of William of Edington, Bishop of Winchester and first Prelate of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (died October 1366), this office has always been held by his successors at Winchester, a senior bishopric of the Church of England. At the time this Badge was made, The Right Reverend and Honourable Brownlow North was Bishop of Winchester and Prelate of the Order (in office 1781 - 1820); a portrait by Henry Howard R.A. (1769 - 1847) depicts North in the traditional Prelate's dress, which includes a Badge of this style and design prominently displayed and suspended upon a golden chain.

From July 1883 such insignia of office became returnable to the Crown upon the resignation or death of the holder.

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Estimate
£15,000 to £20,000

Starting price
£12000