Neck badge of the Order of the Bath c. 1661
Gold, enamel, saltwater pearl | 5.7 x 3.8 cm (excluding fittings) | RCIN 441413
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This badge was one of the sixty-six neck badges supplied for the coronation of Charles II by Robert Vyner in 1661. Vyner was appointed Royal Goldsmith in 1660 and served until his death in 1688.
The badge is traditionally said to have belonged to Sir Edward Walpole (1621-67), one of the 1661 Coronation Knights. On the revival of the Order of the Bath in 1725, it was used by the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole (1676-1745), later 1st Earl of Orford, and afterwards by his two sons in turn, Robert, 2nd Earl of Orford (1701-51), and Sir Edward Walpole (1706-84).
The badge was a coronation gift to King George V from Mr. Alfred de Rothschild in 1911.
Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008Provenance
Sir Edward Walpole(?); by descent to Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford; Robert, 1st Baron Walpole, 2nd Earl of Orford; Sir Edward Walpole; Alfred de Rothschild, by whom presented to King George V on his Coronation, 1911
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Creator(s)
(goldsmith)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold, enamel, saltwater pearl
Measurements
5.7 x 3.8 cm (excluding fittings)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Order of the Bath: Neck Badge