Great Britain – The Royal Victorian Order, Knight Commander (K.C.V.O.)

Description

The Order was instituted on 21 April 1896 to be awarded for service to the sovereign and is in his or her personal gift. It is most often given to members of the Royal Household, to those who are of service to the monarch during foreign tours and during state visits to heads of state and their personal entourage. Insignia are numbered (since 1901) and are returnable on promotion.  

The badge is a large silver-gilt and white enamel Maltese cross with loop and ring for neck ribbon. The face of multi-part construction, an oval central red enamel medallion bearing the silver-gilt insignia ‘VRI’ of Queen Victoria within a deep blue enamel ring with arabesques above, inscribed ‘VICTORIA’ below, the Tudor crown in silver-gilt and polychrome enamels above. The reverse plain, officially numbered “178”. The star is a diamond-cut silver Maltese Cross and in the quadrants there are diamond-cut silver rays. In the center a member’s badge. On the reverse a gold pin and in the center of the star matching number “178”. Comes without ribbon nor case but is in excellent condition.