Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, G.C.S.I., Knight Grand Commander’s set of insignia, comprising sash badge, 110mm x 58mm, the central onyx cameo of a youthful Queen Victoria set within an openwork ornamental border, oval border of gold bearing the motto of the Order ‘Heaven’s Light Our Guide’, surmounted by and pendant from a five-pointed star with small suspension loop, the whole badge and suspension being lavishly set with diamonds; and breast star, 90mm, the body worked entirely in gold, with central five-pointed star of silver set with diamonds, and set upon a gold and enamelled ribbon bearing the motto of the Order in silver and also set with diamonds, the reverse with large gold pin for wearing, complete with full dress sash, nearly extremely fine and very rare £25000-30000

Established in 1861 the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India originally comprised of just one class of Knight Companions who wore a breast badge. It was enlarged and extended in 1866 to include Knight Grand Commanders (G.C.S.I.) and Knight Commanders (K.C.S.I.). The British Sovereign was, and still is, Sovereign of the Order. All insignia was returnable prior to Indian Independence in 1947 and is consequently rare in any class.

The G.C.S.I. insignia awarded to Baron Hardinge of Penshurst, Viceroy of India 1910-16, which was sold as part of the Richard Magor Collection, DNW July 2003, realised £36,000.