UNITED KINGDOM, Royal Victorian Order (founded 1896). - Lot 99

UNITED KINGDOM, Royal Victorian Order (founded 1896). Rare knight-commander plaque (K.C.V.O.) of luxurious manufacture in silver and vermeil (800 thousandths min.), and polychrome-enameled 14k (585/1000) gold, entirely paved with old-cut diamonds. 14k (585/1000) gold toggle pin closure. London, circa 1912. Goldsmith: GARRARD & Co, jewelers since 1722, suppliers to the British Royal Court from 1843 to 2007. L.: 7.5 cm; Gross weight: 65.5 g. Provenance Lord Herbert Stern, first Baron Michelham (1851-1919). History Son of a London-based German banker and a Portuguese baroness, himself a director of the Stern Brothers bank, he distinguished himself through his philanthropic actions during the Great War and his patronage of the arts, characterized by numerous donations to London's National Gallery. Elevated to the distinction of Baron Michelham in February 1906 by King Edward VII, he was also rewarded for his loyal services by being made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order on April 4, 1912. On February 13, 1906, during the first session of Parliament in the reign of Edward VII (1901-1910), Lord Herbert Michelham was introduced to the House of Lords by Lord Belper and Lord Shelborne. Dressed in his ceremonial robes, he was inducted as a Baron by the new British monarch, Edward VII, along with four other Lords. Expert : Maxime CHARRON