The Royal Victorian Order, G.C.V.O., Knight Grand Cross set of insignia, sash badge, silver-gilt and enamel; breast star, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, with gold pin, both officially numbered ‘146’ on the reverse, with full sash ribbon, in Collingwood, London case of issue, case a little worn, insignia extremely fine (2) £1100-1300

Ex Spink, 27 July 2000.

The insignia was awarded to Lord James Rennell of Rodd, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., P.C., H.M. Diplomatic Service (1858-1941).

James Rennell Rodd was born on 9 November 1958 and was educated at Haileybury and Balliol College, Oxford. Entering the Diplomatic Service, he was an Attaché in Berlin, 1884; and Athens, 1888; then 2nd Secretary, Rome, 1891, and Paris, 1892. He was then in charge of the British Agency at Zanzibar throughout 1893 and was present at the actions of Pumwani and Jongeni, 1893. The following year he was transferred to Cairo and in 1897 was Special Envoy to King Menelik II. Rodd was the Secretary of the Legation, Cairo, 1894-1901; Councillor of the Embassy at Rome, 1901-04; H.M. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Sweden, 1904-08; and Ambassador to Italy, 1908-19. Post-war he was a British delegate at the League of Nations, 1921-23 and a Member of Parliament, 1928-32. The recipient of many orders, both British and foreign; he was awarded the G.C.V.O. (London Gazette 15 June 1905) for services as H.M. Envoy to Sweden and on the occasion of the marriage of H.R.H. Princess Margaret of Connaught to H.R.H. Prince Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He was created 1st Baron Rodd in 1933. With some copied research.