Vicmart

See scan – absolutely perfect condition. This is a scarce and rare British orders and medals group to a NAVY or Seaman from the 1890 WITU campaign. The group consists of 3 pieces – a solid gold and large Most Honorable order of the Bath double sided miniature being most likely a KCB / K.C.B. one with size of 25mm x 18mm and original ribbon; a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire KBE / K.B.E. first issue of the order and decoration in solid gold and perfect enamel work plus original ribbon with a size of 26mm x 19mm; and lastly a scarce miniature in sterling silver of the East and West Africa medal with Queen Victoria at obverse and WITU 1890 campaign clasp (size with clasp is 30mm x 29mm). Only 750 British NAVY and seaman had ever received the WITU 1890 campaign medal and it is a scarce piece indeed. The silver medal has its original patina and is in an excellent mint condition. The whole group with ribbons is attached to a sterling silver clasp. All orders and medals are in exceptional quality and masterly crafted. First two as described already are solid gold and all pieces are double sided with exceptional details for such miniatures. No hallmarks are visible and most likely the name of the jeweler or manufacturer were printed on the original box of the group. Unfortunately, the box is missing. The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. However, the origin of the Order is said to be medieval, the earliest mention being in 1128. The name derives from the ancient ceremony wherein individuals participated in a vigil of fasting, prayer, and bathing on the day before being knighted (the ceremony was discontinued in 1815). Originally founded as a military order of chivalry, the star (or pip) worn as army officers' rank insignia is that of the Order of the Bath. Members now belong to either the Civil or the Military Division. The Order's motto is Tria iuncta in uno (Latin for "Three joined in one"), a reference to either the union of England, Scotland and Ireland, or to the Holy Trinity. The former is more likely; a recurring symbol of the Order comprises three crowns. Another motto, Ich dien (older German for "I serve") is sometimes used, but only by members of the Order who serve in the military. The Order is the fourth-most senior of the British Orders of Chivalry, after The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick. The last of the aforementioned Orders—which relates to Ireland, no longer a part of the United Kingdom—still exists but is in disuse; no appointments have been made to it since 1934. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by King George V. The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions; in decreasing order of seniority, these are: Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE) Commander (CBE) Officer (OBE) Member (MBE) Only the two highest ranks entail admission into knighthood. There is also a related British Empire Medal, whose recipients are not members of the Order, but which is affiliated with the Order nonetheless. This is no longer conferred in the United Kingdom, but is still used in some overseas territories and Commonwealth nations. The Order's motto is For God and the Empire. It is the most junior of the British orders of chivalry and has more members than any other. Absolutely scarce military / militaria collector set and one of the rare British gold campaign medal and order groups to a naval marine officer.