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Auction: 22002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 253

Afghanistan, Emirate, Order of the Durrani Empire (Nishani i Daulat i Duranni), a superb 2nd Class Badge with Swords of private manufacture, 55mm including crown suspension x 36mm, gold and enamel, the obverse centre enhanced with 14 pearls, reverse enamelled '2nd Class 23rd July 1839', with silver-gilt floral suspension and integral top riband bars, two ball tips lacking, of the finest quality, good very fine

The Order was established in three Classes in 1839 by Shah Shuja Durrani as a reward of merit for those of British Field Officer rank and above in gratitude of the restoration of his Kingdom. The first investiture of the order was held at a grand durbar in the courtyard of the Harem Serai of the Bala Hissar, Kabul, on the evening of 17 September 1839. Due to a lack of insignia at that investiture, many were subsequently manufactured at the personal cost to the recipient.

The total number of awards is approximate, but it has been suggested that less than twenty awards were made in the 2nd Class. This example, given the date to the reverse, was clearly commissioned by a wealthy recipient of fine taste who shared in the Battle and Storming of Ghuznee.

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Sold for
£1,700

Starting price
£1400