Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to coincide with the OMRS Convention

The mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals attributed to Charles, 1st Baron Hardinge of Penhurst, K.G., P.C., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.M.G., G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., I.S.O.; Viceroy of India 1910-1916, Order of the Bath, Civil Division, gold; Order of the Star of India, gold and enamel with cameo centre; Order of St. Michael and St. George, gold and enamel, some enamel damage; Order of the Indian Empire, gold and enamel; Royal Victorian Order, silver-gilt, gold and enamel; Imperial Service Order, E.VII.R., silver, gold and enamel; Order of St. John, silver and enamel, some enamel damage; Jubilee 1897, silver; Coronation 1902, silver; Delhi Durbar 1911, silver; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, mounted Court-style as worn, good very fine and better except where stated (12) £500-600

Purchased from Charles Lusted, circa 1982, who also sold Hardinge’s full sized orders and medals.

Charles Hardinge was born on 20.6.1858, the brother of the 3rd Viscount Hardinge of Penhurst. Educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, he entered the Diplomatic Service in 1880. His postings took him to Turkey, Germany, U.S.A. and Persia before attaining the position of Ambassador at St. Petersburg in 1904, a post he held until 1906, handling the difficulties related to the Russo-Japanese War including the ‘Dogger Bank’ incident. A confidant of King Edward VII and Sir Edward Grey’s chief adviser, he held the post of Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs during 1906-10. In the latter year he was created 1st Baron Hardinge of Penhurst. He was appointed Viceroy of India in 1910, a position he held until 1916; during which time he oversaw the impressive Delhi Durbar of King George V in 1911. In 1912 he was awarded the Royal Victorian Chain and in 1916 was created a Knight of the Garter. He was again Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs between 1916-20, holding the post of Ambassador in Paris during 1920-22 before he retired. He died in 1944. Sold with copies of the warrants of the many British and foreign orders the recipient received.