The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Type II, Civilian Division, Grand Cross Case of Issue
CATEGORY: Case of Issue
SKU: 01.GBR.0104.107.01.C.000
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United Kingdom. A Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil Division Grand Cross Case, by Garrard & Co.
Instituted 18 May 1725. A presentation case for a Grand Cross set of the Order of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Civil Division, constructed of a wood frame with a faux black leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed inscription of “G.C.B.”, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, maker marked “Garrard & Co., Goldsmiths, Jewellers, & C. to the King, By Special Appointment to the Crowm. 24 Albermarle St., W.”, with a removable slotted light turquoise doeskin medal bed, opening with a functional bronze spring catch with exterior stud release and dual functional magnetic metal hinges, measuring 270 mm (w) x 188 mm (l) x 62 mm (h), including a period original length of display sash ribbon, measuring 340 mm in length, with a bow and functional bronze spring clip, one section of the frame has slightly detached, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725 on the advice of the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Robert Walpole. His proposal was a politically motivated effort to limit the number of members of the Order of the Garter and secure a source of political favours.
The Order derives its name from the ceremonial bath that Knights performed as part of a series of purification rites before they were admitted into knighthood during the medieval era. These rites were continued as part of the tradition until 1815 when the Order was entirely restructured. It has since been the members themselves who have invested the Order with its prestige, and not its thinly veiled connections to traditions of the past.
Membership was originally limited to 36 Knight Companions, but participation in the Napoleonic Wars necessitated an increase in membership to reward military achievement. In 1815, the Order was expanded from a single class into a three-class system with a military and civil division, although the civil division was not formalized until 1847.
The Order is currently conferred by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom upon citizens of the Commonwealth in recognition of meritorious military and civil service. Since 1971, both men and women have been eligible to be admitted into the Order. Members of the British Royal Family and foreigners may also be admitted to the Order, but they are not counted in the statutory limits of Knights and Dames. Membership is currently limited to 120 Knights or Dames Grand Cross, 355 Knights or Dames Commander, and 1925 Companions.
Members of the first class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters GCB, members of the second class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters KCB or DCB, and Companions are entitled to use the post-nominal letters CB. Members of the first and second classes are also entitled to use the formal title “Knight” or “Dame.”
The civil division uses the motto “TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO,” (“Three joined in one”) which was the original motto of the Order prior to its reorganization.
The Grand Cross is worn by Knights and Dames Grand Cross on less formal occasions with a sash and breast star. The sash is 101mm wide for Knights and 57mm wide for Dames.
There may be additional versions that differ in size, manufacturer, and composition.
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