Order of the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George awarded to Sir Henry Parkes
R & S Garrard & Co. Goldsmiths & Jewellers To The
Crown, London
SAFE / DR 150
SAFE / DR 151
Sir William Dixson bequest, 1952
For
a man born into poverty and with little formal education, Henry Parkes (1815–1896)
achieved great things in his life as evidenced by this regalia. Founded in
1818, the British Monarchy awards this Order to men and women of high office,
or who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign
country.
Parkes
arrived in Sydney in 1839 as a poor 24-year-old migrant from England with his
young wife and newborn child and continued to fight poverty and ill health for
the rest of his life. He also managed to become the largest figure of
nineteenth century Australian politics, being one of the most influential
advocates for the federation of the Australian colonies.
Star
STAR:
Silver star of seven rays with gold bands in interstices,
manifesting the cross of Saint George in red enamel. Enamelled miniature in
centre depicts Saint Michael trampling on Satan. Motto as on obverse of Cross.
Clasp on back.
Richly-watered Saxon blue ribbon, with central scarlet stripe, doubled forming
a bow at top.
Badge, star and ribbon kept in rectangular-shaped case lined with velvet.
Trademark on inside of hinged lid of a royal crown surrounded by the
inscription: `R & S. Garrard & Co Goldsmiths & Jewellers, To The
Crown. 25 Haymarket London'.
Collar
COLLAR:
Comprises chain with inter-locking emblems of ten lions, of which
four are winged, joining the respective ends of the collar of which one is
surmounted by Royal Crown. These are linked by eight Maltese crosses enamelled
white, each bearing the cipher 'SM' or 'SG'.
Collar kept in oval-shaped case lined with velvet. Inside lid trademark of a
Royal crown surrounded by the inscription: `R & S Garrard & Co.
Goldsmiths & Jewellers To The Crown, 25 Haymarket London'.
Badge
BADGE:
A gold, seven-rayed star with V shaped extremities in the pattern
of a Maltese cross enamelled white and edged gold.
Obverse:
In centre in coloured relief Saint Michael trampling on Satan.
Motto `Auspicium Melioris Aevi' (token of a better time) in gold relief on
circle of blue enamel.
Reverse:
Saint George on horseback fighting dragon with
a spear. Motto as for obverse.
Badge is surmounted by the royal crown with a small ring for attachment to
collar or ribbon
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