Great Britain Order of St. Michael and St. George K.C.M.G. (Knight Commander) neck badge and breast star, presented in the original Garrard & Company fitted case. Both pieces are beautifully crafted in silver and gilt, featuring crisp, detailed workmanship. The neck badge displays St. Michael triumphing over Satan on one side and St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse, bordered by deep blue and red enamel. The silver breast star is finely made with radiating arms and a central enameled medallion bearing the Order's motto, "Auspicium Melioris Ævi" ("Token of a Better Age").
The Order of St. Michael and St. George was founded on April 28, 1818, by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, initially to reward distinguished service by British subjects in the Ionian Islands and Malta, both important Mediterranean territories at the time. Following the return of the Ionian Islands to Greece in 1864, the Order’s purpose was broadened to recognize services to the British Empire more generally, especially in diplomatic and overseas fields.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Order had become one of Britain’s most prestigious honors for colonial administrators, ambassadors, senior civil servants, and figures involved in foreign affairs. The K.C.M.G. rank (Knight Commander) is the second-highest class within the Order, outranked only by the G.C.M.G. (Knight or Dame Grand Cross). Recipients of the K.C.M.G. are entitled to the style of "Sir" or "Dame" and wear both the neck badge and the breast star at formal occasions.
Garrard & Company, the maker of this set, served as Crown Jewellers from 1843 to 2007 and is renowned for producing insignia for the British orders of chivalry. Sets housed in original Garrard cases are highly sought after by collectors due to their quality, provenance, and historical significance.
An outstanding and rarely encountered complete set, ideal for serious collectors of British orders, decorations, and medals.
