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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 263

The important Order of the Garter Great George bestowed upon Prince Adolphus, 1st Duke of Cambridge

The Most Noble Order of the Garter, Great George Badge, circa 1780-90, gold and enamel, 52mm x 38mm x 17mm overall, in the form of a finely-modelled depiction of St George on horseback slaying the dragon, with gold loop for affixing to the reverse of St George, the base with a plain gold plate, this inscribed 'Order of St. George, from the Collection of the Duke of Cambridge', some enamel damage and repair commensurate with age, lance and base a little loose but overall good very fine, an imposing Great George

Provenance:
Christie's, 15 June 1971, Lot 21 (The Property of a Lady) - described as '18th Century'. On that occasion international newspapers reported 'Great gold George heads Christie's second [Medal] Sale'.

Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge, K.G., G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.H., was born on 24 February 1774, the tenth child and seventh son of King George III of the United Kingdom and Queen Charlotte. At the tender age of twelve, he was - together with three of his elder brothers - made a Knight of the Garter and invested on 2 June 1786. At the same event the Statutes of the Order were expanded '...in future consist of the Sovereign and twenty five Knights, exclusive of the sons of His Majesty or His successors.'

Given the scarcity of Insignia of the Order of the Garter, especially the Great George, few comparable pieces exist. The Royal Collection holds a 17th century Collar and George (RCIN 441924) made by Vyner, which has rather similar enamel-work, especially on the wings of the dragon - it could thus possibly be the case that this piece is an earlier item of Insignia. The Royal Collection also holds an image of the Prince wearing his Garter Insignia (RCIN 604959).

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Sold for
£100,000

Starting price
£90000