Greece, Kingdom. A Royal Order Of George I, Grand Commander Set, C. 1950

(Βασιλικόν Τάγμα Γεωργίου Α'). Instituted January 16 1915 by King Constantine I. Civil Division. A Grand Commander Set, the badge in silver gilt features a white enamel Latin Cross with a wreath segment in each quadrant, the obverse medallion in red and white enamels bearing the cypher of King George I with the Greek inscription ΙΣΧΥΣ ΜΟΥΗ ΑΓΑΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΟΥ (“The people’s love is my strength”), the reverse medallion in plain silver gilt shows the years 1863 1915 1913, the badge is surmounted by a royal crown, 46.41mm (w) x 84.8mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned integral ball atop surmounting crown), weighs 47.7 grams (including ribbon), worn on the original neck ribbon, scattered gilt wear, enamels intact, in very fine condition. Accompanied by the Grand Commander Star, in silver, a four point star with smooth rays, the center portrays a superimposed white enamel cross with wreath segments in each quadrant, the central medallion in red and white enamels bearing the cypher of King George I with the Greek inscription ΙΣΧΥΣ ΜΟΥΗ ΑΓΑΠΗ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΟΥ (“The people’s love is my strength”), cross is surmounted by a large crown on the 12 o’clock arm, the reverse presents a vertical pin flanked by dual stays, the pin is marked with Greek makers mark ΚΕΛΑ'Ι'ΔΗ, measures 75.9mm (w) x76.3mm (h – inclusive of surmounting crown), weighs 59.0 grams, nice patina, enamels intact, light gilt wear, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in the original case of issue, a brown-red leatherette case with the cypher of King George I pressed on the top, the interior features a white silk lid stamped with makers mark Αφοι Π. ΚΕΛΑ'Ι'ΔΗ ΛΕΚΚΑ 25 ΑΦΗΝΑΙ, while the base bears a partial black velvet recessed medalbed with a section for the neck ribbon, measures 130mm (w) x 250mm (h) x 43mm (d), light wear, hinge and clasp functional, in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal Order of George I was established by King Constantine I on January 16, 1915, to honour the memory of his father, King George I. It was suppressed when the Second Hellenic Republic was established in 1924, but it was later reinstated when the Greek monarchy was restored in 1935. It was permanently suppressed when the Greek monarchy was abolished in 1973 and was replaced by the Order of Honour in 1975.