An extremely rare example of The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Companion, C.S.I., neck badge, gold, silver, diamonds, 75mm x 44mm with carved cameo centre. Complete with full length ribbon and fitted with end loops.
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine, no visible flaws, the a well-defined cameo bust of Queen Victoria.
Founded by Queen Victoria a few years after the British Crown took over the administration of India from the Honourable East India Company, it was intended primarily as an award to loyal Indian Princes. The highest class was designated Knight Grand Commander, rather than Cross, because the majority of recipients were not Christians, being either Hindus or Muslims. The Order at first consisted of the sovereign, a Grand Master this being the Viceroy of India, 36 Knight Grand Commanders these consisting of 18 British and 18 Indian, 85 Knights Commanders and 170 Companions. It lapsed in 1947 when the sub-continent attained independence. Until then all insignia of the order was returnable on the death of the recipients. After 1947, however, recipients or their heirs were allowed in certain cases to purchase the star and badges of any of the three applicable classes, but not the collar chain of the Knight Grand Commander.
