United Kingdom. A Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire, Civil Division, Knights Commander (Kbe)

Instituted in 1917. Civil Division. Type II (1935-Present). The neck decoration, in silver gilt, with light blue and red enamels, the obverse medallion presenting the inscription FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE, with surmounting crown, the reverse bears the crowned monogram GRI, measures 63.8mm (w) x 85.2mm (h - inclusive of integral crown), weighs 56.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), enamels intact, a lovely decoration in extremely fine condition. The star of the Order, a four armed silver star with clusters of faceted rays, the central medallion features two right facing busts with a red exterior inscribed FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE, the reverse with a single pin assembly, measures 81.2mm (w) x 82.0mm (h), weighs 49.6 grams, enamels intact, lovely patina, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original case of issue, black pebbled exterior, inscribed "K.B.E." (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Knight Commander) in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded, maker marked "THE GOLDSMITH & SILVERSMITH COMPANY CROWN JEWELLERS Incorporating GARRARD & CO" and exhibiting the impression of the badge from the medal bed, base with a raised platform incorporating a recessed medal bed in off-white felt, measuring 245mm (w) x 125mm (l) x35mm (h), exhibiting light discolouration in the white felt of the medal bed, case also extremely fine.