Orders, Decorations and Medals

Indian States, Patiala, Maharaja’s Turban Badge, by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, Ltd., 78 x 73mm., silver-gilt badge formed of a star of radiating Indian weaponry linked by a wreath; in the centre, surmounted by a crown, a fine enamelled portrait of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh; reverse with supporting hook, to each side, five silver chains connected to hallmarked silver-gilt hook fittings, the badge reverse bearing the manufacturer’s initials and hallmarks for Birmingham 1946, extremely fine, rare £1200-1500

On the badge Bhupinder Singh (1900-38) is portrayed wearing a uniform with orders and medals, including the star and sash of the Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (G.C.S.I.). On his head he wears a turban with a similar turban badge to the above, this being held in place by five chains.

Bhupinder Singh was succeeded as Maharaja by Yadavindra Singh (1938-48). Born in 1913 and educated at Aitchison College, Lahore. He served as Superintendent of Police for the Patiala District and in 1933 was appointed the Chancellor of Khalsa College, Amritsar. A keen sportsman, in 1934 he was selected by India to play in the cricket test against England. He was President of the Indian Olympic Association, 1938-60. In 1946 he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to King George VI and Pro-Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes. In post-independence India he was appointed Rajpramukh for Patiala and East Punjab States Union, 1948-56. A Member of the Indian delegation to the 11th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in 1958 he represented India at the 10th annual conference of UNESCO and later led the Indian delegation at meetings of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. In 1960 he was appointed Chairman of the Indian Council of Sports and in 1965 he was appointed to the prestigious post of Ambassador to Rome, 1965-67. He died in 1974. It is tempting to think that the above badge was ordered by Yadavindra Singh in relation to one of the official appointments made in 1946.