The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, gold(Full size)
Image of Saint George
The Reverse of The Most Distinguished Order Of Saint Michael And Saint George
The Reverse of The Most Distinguished Order Of Saint Michael And Saint George
American Tobacco Emblem Series Set No.11
American Tobacco Emblem Series Set No.11
Sir Henry Lionel Galway, Governor of South Australia, with star and knight commander class of the order of St Michael and St George
Source: picryl
Source: picryl
Item number: M67
Year: AD 1850-1870
Material: Gold and Enamel
Size: case 82.21 x 132 / order 51.57 x 51.57 / ribbon 70.94 x 38.29 mm
Weight: case 84.66 / order 44.5 g
Provenance: Liverpool Medals 2022
The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George was established in AD 1818 by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in the name of King George III. The primary purpose was to commemorate Britain’s protection of the Ionian Islands and Malta, both of which came under British rule in AD 1814. Initially, the recipients of this order included the indigenous population of the Ionian Islands, residents of Malta and its dependencies, as well as individuals holding prominent governmental positions and engaging in covert missions in the Mediterranean region.
With the expansion of the British Empire in the late 19th century, the recipients of the Order experienced a gradual broadening, encompassing individuals who made outstanding contributions in dominions, colonies, and diplomatic affairs. This Order primarily bestowed honors upon officials overseeing colonial affairs, diplomats, and individuals fulfilling significant responsibilities within the Commonwealth nations. Even non-natives had the opportunity to be admitted as “honorary members.” Such expansion positioned the British Order of Knighthood as a recognition of exceptional service and contributions across diverse domains, solidifying its significant historical standing.
The order is divided into three classes, supplemented by the British Sovereign serving as the Sovereign of the order, and a Grand Master appointed by the British Sovereign.
| classes | Features of the order of the classes |
| Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCMG) | Star pinned to the left breast Badge on a sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip Badge is 3¼ inches in diameter |
| Knight/Dame Commander(KCMG/DCMG) | Star which is smaller than grand cross’s one pinned to the left breast, composed of four rays, a small cross of eight points in saltire. Badge is 2⅝ inches in diameter |
| Companion(CMG) | Badge is 2⅛ inches in diameter |
During that era, knights of the Order were rigorously mandated to return their insignia upon their demise or elevation to a higher class.
The order of St. Michael and St. George features a white “seven-armed” Maltese cross crafted from enamel, adorned with a golden border. The central medallion on the obverse depicts the archangel St. Michael triumphing over Satan, while the reverse side illustrates St. George engaged in battle atop a horse, confronting a dragon. Both outer circumferences bear inscriptions in blue, with gilt letters stating “Auspicium Melioris Aevi” (“Token of a Better Age”), serving as the motto of this order.
Above the order features a golden crown, connected to a suspension ring, swivel bar, and a gold brooch loop, constituting one of the distinctive elements of the Companion class of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.
The ribbon incorporates a deep blue base with a central red stripe. The ribbon’s width for the shown medal above is 38.29 mm, and excluding the order’s body, the length of the ribbon is 70.94 mm.
St. George is a legendary Christian saint who lived in 3rd-century Asia Minor. He is renowned for his courageous confrontation with a malevolent dragon.
According to legend, the city where St. George resided was besieged by a menacing dragon. In order to safeguard the city’s inhabitants, St. George stepped forward and engaged in a fierce battle with the dragon, ultimately succeeding in slaying the creature.
The tale of slaying the dragon is regarded as a symbol of combating evil and protecting the vulnerable, gradually assimilated into Christian religious narratives. In the medieval period, the legend of St. George spread throughout Europe, where he became a patron saint for knights and crusaders, and was also revered as a guardian in England.
St. George’s story significantly influenced English culture, as he emerged as the patron saint of England, with the red cross on the flag of England named after him. Each year, on April 23rd, commemorating St. George’s Day has become a national celebration in England, marked by various festivities honoring this courageous saint.
最傑出的聖米迦勒和聖喬治勳章, 金(官方版)
物件編號: M67
年代: 公元 1850-1870 年
材質: 黃金, 琺瑯
尺寸: 盒 82.21 x 132 / 勳章 51.57 x 51.57 / 勳帶 70.94 x 38.29 mm
重量: 盒 84.66 / 勳章 44.5 g
來源: 利物浦獎章 2022
最傑出的聖米迦勒和聖喬治勳章，於公元1818年由攝政王（後來的國王喬治四世）以國王喬治三世的名義創立，其初衷在於紀念英國對愛奧尼亞群島和馬耳他的保護，這兩地於公元1814年受英國統治。當初，該勳章的頒贈對象主要包括愛奧尼亞群島的原居民、馬爾他及其附屬地的居民，以及在地中海地區擔任政府高級官員和從事秘密任務的人士。
隨著十九世紀末大英帝國的擴張，勳章的受贈對象逐漸擴大至在自治領、殖民地以及外交事務中做出卓越貢獻的人士。此勳章主要頒發給負責殖民地事務的官員、外交官，以及在英聯邦國家履行重要職責的人。非本國人也有機會被接納為「榮譽會員」。這樣的擴大使得英國騎士勳章成為一種表彰卓越服務和貢獻的榮譽，跨足不同領域，建立了其在歷史上的重要地位。
該騎士團劃分為三個等級，此外還有作為騎士團領導者的英國君主，以及一位英國君主任命的大團長(Grand Master):
| 階級 | 勳章配帶特色 |
| 騎士大十字級 | 星章配戴於左胸 勳章別於授勳帶上，從右肩延伸到左臀部 勳章半徑為 3¼ 英吋 |
| 騎士指揮官級 | 星章配戴於左胸，為稍小於騎士大十字級的八角銀星，由兩個十字組成 勳章半徑為 2⅝ 英吋 |
| 爵士級 | 勳章半徑為 2⅛ 英吋 |
