The Most Distinguished Order Of St. Michael And St. George

Awarded to General Sir William Manning G.C.M.G. - Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George; A multi-layer construction with a star-burst effect. Formed of seven silver sections, each with seven rays, formed by reinforced overlapping strips of silver bullion, trimmed with silver bullion wire between each ray. Between each of the same seven silver sections are three gold rays, formed by reinforced overlapping strips of gold bullion, trimmed in gold bullion wire. Resting above is a red cloth cross with equidistant arms, also trimmed in gold bullion wire. The cross supports a raised centrepiece, with a handpainted image of St. Michael defeating Satan which has been lacquered, in order to maintain its quality for posterity. It is encompassed by three rows of gold bullion. The surrounding raised blue circular riband is satin, bearing the motto "AUSPICIUM MELIORIS AEVI" (A token of a better age) in gold bullion wire, with small gold bullion loops after each of the first two words and a gold bullion star in place after "AEVI", itself encompassed by two rows of gold bullion wire on the outer edge. It weighs 153 grams, with the number "2" in iron based ink written on the paper reverse, measuring 200 mm x 205 mm x 11 mm in height, featuring bright colours, a unique reflective quality in the bullion wraps, fine stitching, in extremely fine condition. Label; Extracted from a cape, "EDE & RAVENSCROFT" period makers label. Ede & Ravenscroft, London, were robe makers and court tailors, by appointment to The King, The Queen and The Prince of Wales. The water-resistant label is named to "General Sir William Manning G.C.M.G." in handwritten script along the bottom edge.