United Kingdom. A Knight Bachelor's Neck Badge (1973 To Date), Cased

Three-piece construction, in silver gilt with red enamels, unmarked, measuring 33.3 mm (w) x 54.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, very light contact, on a shortened original neck ribbon, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, red pebbled exterior, inscribed "KNIGHT BACHELOR" in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and marked "ROYAL MINT" with the institution's insignia, base incorporating a raised platform in black felt with a recessed medal bed, push release, dual-hinged, measuring 105.5 mm (w) x 155 mm (h) x 40 mm (d), case extremely fine.

Footnote: The honour of the Knight Bachelor dates to King Henry III (1207-1272), but it was not until April 21, 1926 that a distinctive insignia was introduced at the request of the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor... and until 1998, recipients had to purchase one. The Knight Bachelor's Neck Badge (1973 to date) is awarded to those on whom Knighthood is conferred, unless as a member of one of the Orders, when the appropriate badge would be worn. It is the only insignia presented at Investiture, the other badges are private purchase items.