Badge of the Order of the Garter
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1640
This gold and enamel insignia is a 'Lesser George' badge of the Order of the Garter, produced in London around 1640 by an unknown maker. It has an estimated maximum height of 9.3 cm and an estimated width of 4.5 cm, fitted at the top with a suspension loop for wearing from a sash or riband.
The badge takes an oval form shaped as the Order's garter, executed in deep blue enamel with gold borders and lettering bearing the motto of the Order. Within the open centre of the garter is an enameled sculptural figure of St George in armour mounted upon a white horse, depicted trampling a green dragon below. The weapon once held by the saint, likely a sword or spear, is not present. While the primary collar of the Order was formally restricted from incorporating precious stones, other personal insignia could be customized according to the bearer's wealth and preference. This example features polychrome enamelling over gold to delineate the figures and decorative scrolling details on the frame.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III in about 1348 as Britain's premier order of chivalry, restricted to 26 members. The Lesser George badge was introduced during the reign of Henry VIII to be worn on a blue riband for less formal, everyday occasions instead of the collar. This badge is recorded as having belonged to Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford (1593–1641), who was elected a Knight of the Garter by Charles I in 1640. Wentworth was tried by Parliament and executed in 1641 before he was formally installed.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold and enamel
- Dimensions
- Height (maximum, estimated): 9.3 cm; Width (estimated): 4.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Unknown
- Place recorded
- London
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Order of the Garter
- Museum object number
- 273-1869
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.