Thailand, The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, Grand Cordon (Special Class), early 20th century, comprising (a) Thirty-six link gold and enamelled Collar, composed of sixteen Rama V cyphers in pink enamel, seventeen green and pink enamelled rosettes, the centre composed of three gold and white enamelled Airavata elephants, with gold crown and gold starburst above flanked by a gold and enamelled lion carrying a white royal parasol either side; (b) Sash/Collar badge, in gold and enamels, with central portrait of Rama V within blue enamel circle, this bearing in gold letters the motto “I will preserve the royal family line” with crown and sunburst suspension, the reverse with three Airavata elephants with trident above, within blue enamelled border containing gilt and outer white enamelled chakra, 52mm; (c) Breast star, in silver, gilt and enamels and with gold retaining pin (this with three engraved horizontal lines on reverse below hinge) bearing central diamond set Rama V monogram on a pink enamelled background with gilt motto on blue enamelled background around, 82mm; (d) Junior Companion’s silver medal with portrait of Rama V on obverse and Airavata elephant on reverse, 37.5mm; (e) Riband bar with jewelled Rama V cypher surmounted by enamelled crown; (f) Lapel rosette with jewelled Rama V cypher surmounted by enamelled crown, in later made blue velvet and silk line case with gilt maker’s inscription on inside of lid, with two white silk bows for mounting on collar and pink silk sash, extremely fine and extremely rare (lot). The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was founded by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) on 16 November 1873 to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Chakri dynasty. The collar pink represents the birthday colour (Tuesday). The Order comes in four Classes: Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class), Knight Grand Cross (First Class), Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher Grade), Knight Commander (Second Class, lower Grade), Grand Companion (Third Class, Higher Grade), Companion (Third Class, lower Grade), Junior Companion. Knights of the Grand Cordon are limited to Thai Royalty and foreign Heads of State. When the Order is bestowed upon Thai recipients it becomes an hereditary award and is passed on to the eldest son of the recipient. All insignia of the Order are rare.
Estimate: £30000-£40000