Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle, a superb late 18th century hinged breast star, the centre in gold and enamels with beaded silver surround, the finely pierced and faceted silver rays each hinged and mounted on a steel spring, the principal points drilled for sewing to coat, the reverse central copper-gilt back-plate unmarked, 110 x 88mm, circa 1780-1800, nearly extremely fine £8000-10000

Provenance: Christie’s 18 April 1979, ‘Sold by order of the Executors of the estate of the 12th Earl of Galloway’.

When originally sold this star was ‘presumed’ to have been worn by Admiral Sir George Stewart, K.T., 8th Earl of Galloway (1768-1834) who succeeded his father to the title in 1806, and was elected and invested as a Knight of the Thistle in May 1814. It is, however, clearly from an earlier period and can therefore be attributed to his father, Sir John Stewart, 7th Earl of Galloway, who was elected and invested as a Knight of the Thistle in November 1775. In due course this star was probably also worn by the 8th Earl.