The Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle, a mid-19th Century bullion wire breast star with central woven cloth thistle insignia with motto. This is not a mantle star, and was clearly produced for wear on a tunic. Measuring approximately 85 mm vertically from tip to tip, and 77mm across the face from tip to tip A good example of type and rare.
Condition: some evidence of wear, wire thread loose in places in areas where the star has been removed from a tunic, overall Fair.
This order is said to have been founded in AD787, alluding to barefoot enemy soldiers who cried out when they trod on thistles and thus alerted the Scots of an imminent attack. The order had long been defunct when it was revived by King James VII and II and re-established in December 1703 by Queen Anne. It now consists of the sovereign and 16 Knights, making it the most exclusive of the orders of chivalry. At death, the official insignia is returned to the Central Chancery.
