Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Royal Household pair awarded to Joseph Julian Kanné, Queen Victoria’s Director of Continental Journeys

Jubilee 1887, silver, unnamed as issued; Victoria Faithful Service Medal, with ‘10’ year bar, the reverse officially engraved ‘To Joseph Julius Kanné Esq. Director of Continental Journeys for Faithful Services to the Queen during 14 years. 1874’, in its Wyon fitted case of issue, minor edge bruising, otherwise good very fine £1200-1500

Ex John Tamplin Collection.

Joseph Julius Kann was born in Pilsen, Austria, in 1818. He came to England in about 1850 and acquired British Citizenship, changing his name to Kanné. He was first employed as a Courier on an ad hoc basis. On 3 November 1860 he wrote to Sir Charles Phipps offering his services, and in reply Sir Charles said Kanné was to be appointed The Queen’s Courier on a permanent basis with an annual salary of £200.

A conscientious servant, it was stated in his official capacity he made 500 journeys on Royal Duty. During the course of his service he was awarded two British medals - the Faithful Service Medal in 1874, with bar in 1884, and the Jubilee Medal of 1887. In addition he was allegedly the recipient of 21 foreign orders and medals. Of the latter it is known for certain that he was created a Knight of the Danish Order of the Dannebrog, 9 November 1867; Knight of the Swedish Order of the Vasa, 1868, and Knight 2nd Class of the Hessen Order of Philip, 18 February 1878.

His name appears in the Queen’s Journal on more than one occasion. When she received news of his death, she wrote, ‘For thirty years he had attended me on all my journeys, making all the arrangements in a most admirable manner. He used to think of every little thing for my pleasure and comfort and had a wonderful power of organisation ....’

Kanné suffered a stroke on 24 April 1888 and died at his home at No. 45 Dover Street, Piccadilly, London. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery on 30 April 1888. Amongst those present was the Prince of Wales and General Sir H. F. Ponsonby, who represented the Queen. His grave is marked by the headstone which bears the inscription, ‘This Stone was erected by the Queen and the Prince of Wales to mark their appreciation of the long and valuable service of Joseph Julius Kanné, 1889’; over the grave another stone is inscribed, ‘In Memory of Joseph Julius Kanné, for nearly 40 years one of Her Majesty’s most devoted servants. Died 24 April, 1888, aged 70 years.’ Sold with a quantity of copied research, including an article on Kanné from the Jewish Chrinicle and two original carte de visite portrait photographs.