Instituted in 1896 by Queen Victoria. Composed of silver gilt, a white enamel Maltese cross with the obverse medallion presenting the cypher VRI on a red enamel background, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed with the Order’s motto “VICTORIA”, the central medallion is surmounted by a crown with red and green enamel details, the reverse is plain with a central rivet and a rivet in the middle of the 12 o’clock arm, measures 43.83mm (w) x 44.78mm (h), weighs 24.0 grams (including ribbon), worn on a correct ribbon with a rosette on the obverse and a pinback reverse, enamels intact, poor enamelling in the cap of surmounting crown, catch on reverse of ribbon has been pinched closed, order is not numbered but in very fine condition.
Contained in an official case of issue of wood and brown leatherette exterior, the interior presenting a silk crème coloured lid stamped with the makers mark COLLINGWOOD & Co. TO THE ROYAL FAMILY 46. CONDUIT ST. LONDON, the green velvet medalbed presents a recessed area for the medal and button hole ribbon bar (not included in set), measures 81.74mm (w) x 129.75mm (h), hinges and clasp in working condition, light scuffing to exterior otherwise extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Royal Victorian Order was established by Queen Victoria in 1896 as a personal gift that could be conferred without approval from ministers. The British Sovereign is the head of the Order who appoints a Grand Master- normally a member of the British Royal Family. The Lieutenant grade was formerly known as the Member (4th Class), but it was altered in 1984. It is worn by men on a breast ribbon and by women on a bow. The obverse features the imperial cypher of Queen Victoria with initials that stand for “Victoria Regina Imperatrix” (Victoria, Queen, Empress).