United Kingdom. An Order of the Garter, Lesser George in Gold, c.1900

Instituted in 1348. A rare and very lovely Lesser George Decoration, presenting a round, richly decorative badge in 22K Gold (tested), the obverse featuring a raised St. George atop a white horse, stabbing a green enamelled dragon, surrounded by a blue garter inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, the reverse featuring the same St. George on horseback set in gilt and superimposed on a blue enamelled field, with the same encircling blue garter inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, with an ornate laurel suspension ring at 12 o’clock, measures 55.5 mm (w) x 78.8 mm (h), weights 87.84 grams, very minor enamel chip in the reverse inscription ring, otherwise demonstrating delicate features and beautiful craftsmanship, a rare and lovely Lesser George, seldom seen on the market, in better than extremely fine condition.