Thailand, Kingdom. An Order of the White Elephant, Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) Set in Case

Instituted 1861 by King Mongkut. A beautiful Special Class, the badge presents a gold plated four point star with green enamel details, between each arm are five undulating silver gilt rays, the obverse medallion features three crowned white elephants on a silver gilt field, surrounded by a ring of silver facets and pink and red petals, the reverse medallion depicts a Thai cypher in red enamels with the same encircling designs as the obverse, the badge is surmounted by a large Thai crown, measures 72.25mm (w) x 126.10mm (h – inclusive of crown suspension), weighs 106.0 grams, enamels intact, light wear to silver gilt crown suspension, reverse cypher missing some red enamel, in very fine condition. The Breast Star presents a beautiful eight point star of alternating clusters of smooth and faceted rays, the obverse medallion features a four point gold plated badge with green enamelled designs, between these arms are five undulating rays, the focal point presents three white enamelled crowned elephants on a gold plated field, surrounded by a silver ray of facets which is encircled by a ring of pink and red enamelled petals, a silver swirl is located on the pink petal at 12 o’clock, a small Thai crown is located directly above at 12 o’clock, the reverse presents a vertical pin assembly with dual stays, measures 92.30mm (w) x 91.40mm (h), weighs 100.3 grams, unmarked, very thick enamelling on white elephants, a rare star in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original red velvet case, the exterior presents a gold plated Thai emblem of state on the lid, the interior features a crème coloured silk lid with crème coloured removable velvet medalbed, with large cavity below to host the original sash badge, measures 190mm (w) x 160mm (l) x 80mm (d), functional hinge and clasp, an extremely fine case.

Footnote: The Knight Grand Cross (Special Class) was established on November 16 1909. The Special Class is far rarer than the other classes, as it was only awarded to Royalty and Heads of State.