India, Patiala State, Order of Krishna, sash badge in 22 carat gold and enamels, extremely fine and of the highest rarity in gold £600-800

See Colour Plate III

The Order of Krishna was founded, circa 1936, by Maharaja Phupendra Singh of Patiala. The Order, comprising the Sovereign, Grand Master, and one class of Member, could also be awarded to foreign heads of state. According to Indian Princely Medals by Tony McGlenaghan, the insignia of this order was manufactured in silver-gilt by Spink of London, which suggests that the piece offered here may have been specially commissioned for a Maharaja or someone of similar standing.