Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Brazil, Empire, Imperial Order of the Rose, neck badge, 55mm., gold and enamel, with gold suspension loop and a neck cravat complete with gold fitments; breast star, 55mm., silver-gilt, gold and enamel, in (slightly damaged) distinctively shaped, green velvet case of issue, the outer lid bearing a gilt crowned ‘P.II’ cypher, minor enamel damage, nearly extremely fine (2) £600-700

The dimensions of the insignia would tend to suggest that the badge is that of a ‘Dignitary’, whilst the star is that of an ‘Official’.

Attributed to John Miers, engineer and botanist, who was born in London on 25 August 1789. His early years were spent in business with his father, John Miers, a jeweller and miniaturist; but he later devoted his attention to the sciences of chemistry and mineralogy. His long relationship with South America began in 1818 when he was invited to join Lord Cochrane, as an Engineer, in developing the mineral resources of Chile. Whilst there he made many important observations on the geology and natural history of the country and developed a particular interest in botany. Further engineering work on the continent followed, including the erection of mints in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, all the while collecting specimens and making voluminous notes. He returned to England in 1838 and devoted himself to studying and publishing the botanical material he had amassed in his travels. For his pioneering work in the field of botany he was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1839 and a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1843. For service as a Juror in the Brazilian section of the International Exhibition of 1862 and for other services to that country, Miers was awarded the Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of the Rose. He died on 17 October 1879. His vast collection of specimens, notes and drawings were bequeathed to the British Museum. Sold with copied D.N.B. extract.