Korea, Empire. An Order of the Teaguk, I Class Grand Cordon, in Case, c.1910

Instituted on April 17, 1900. A rare I Class Grand Cordon Set, comprising a sash badge in silver gilt, featuring an eight point star with clusters of smooth white enamelled rays, the obverse medallion features a Taeguk (a symbol of the Korean Empire) in the center in red and blue enamels, the reverse mirrors the obverse, the badge is surmounted by a lotus blossom suspension of green and white enamels, measures 76.18 mm (w) x 106.48 mm (h - inclusive of lotus blossom suspension and integral ball), weighs 125.5 grams, small chip on the reverse of the Taeguk at the 2 o’clock edge, scattered gilt wear, remains in extremely fine condition. The Star of the Order, in silver, an eight point star with clusters of three smooth rays with a lightly pebbled interior field, superimposed on the center sits a silver gilt medallion with clusters of smooth white enamel rays with a Taeguk symbol in red and blue enamels in the center, the reverse bears a single vertical pin with dual stays, a Chinese inscription meaning “Order of Merit” is present between the four rivets (one of which is a period replacement), the tips of the rays have been reinforced, the star measures 92.41 mm (w) x 90.44 mm (h), weighs 83.7 grams, the tips of the rays along the right side (2 - 3 o’clock) demonstrate light crazing, dark patina throughout, hinge and catch functional, a rare star in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a full length sash of the order, of blue and red watered silk with a flower shaped rosette, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its original blue velvet case of issue, with padded black silk lid interior and maroon removable recessed medalbed with a storage compartment for the sash below, the case measures 140 mm (w) x 260 mm (l) x 90mm (d), the padded lid interior is not longer adhered to the lid of the case, showing wear and loss of velvet to the exterior, hinge functional, no clasp, in better than fine condition.

The case is held in a wooden box with images of the set adhered to the exterior lid, the wooden box measures 180 mm (w) x 305 mm (l) x 105 mm (d), minor wear in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Taeguk was an order of chivalry that was awarded to military or civil officials, beginning on April 22 1900. The I class was awarded to ministers who had already received the second class and continued to work for at least five years more. It is also known as the Order of the Flag.