Order of the Bath, star of the knights commander.

[maxblue]

Gentlemen, I have this knight commanders star but it is quite unique. There are small holes on the edges of the star and at the same time there is a needle. The reverse is silvered. On the obverse the star looks like the old cloth type but it is metal. The badge on the star is gilded bronze with enamel. Does anybody know anything about this badge or have any theories. Any information would be valuable.

Tank you.

[paul wood]

Max,

I suspect it is a private European issue from around the 1830s, when awarded the KCB at this period they were issued with the regular badge and a tinsel star, many people had metal stars privately made. The British made pieces generally had the makers name on it which makes me think that it is European.

Paul

[MetPolice]

I agree Paul, it is probably a 'one off', commissioned by a recipient.

Zeb

[maxblue]

Thank you for your answers. Could it be that it is made i France? The two hooks on each side of the needle are common on french made stars.

[peter monahan]

And the extra holes in the corners for an extra secure attachment - sewed on - which was not a feature of the original issues. Very interesting piece!

[maxblue]

I think that the extra holes where there from the start. The stars had to be worn all the time in the erarly 19-century. Maybe the recipient modyfied the star so he could use it on other uniforms.

[paul wood]

Yes could well be French made, the jewellers in Paris had a field day during the post 1815 allied occupation.

Paul

[eurorders]

I do know that Europe-wide, full metal breast stars started coming into prominent vogue around 1

1860

[Graf]

Nice  Star!

 

I agree with Paul. It looks French made one

Do not forget Belgium and German makers as well