WW1 Medals and AwardsBritish, George V Period, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) Full-Size Dress Decoration with Matching Miniature, by Garrard & Co., in Original Fitted Case
SKU / Ref. No: JAQ#3281#GOO_26062026
£2,500.00
A desirable George V period Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) set comprising a full-size dress insignia with matching miniature example, housed in its original Garrard & Co. fitted case. Both decorations retain their attractive white enamelled crosses, crowned GVR cyphers, and correct crimson-and-blue ribbons, while the gilt-tooled “D.S.O.” case and Albemarle Street Garrard retailer details add strong period authenticity and collector appeal.
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*British, George V Period, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) Full-Size Dress Decoration with Matching Miniature, by Garrard & Co., in Original Fitted Case*
An attractive George V period Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) set comprising a full-size dress decoration together with its matching miniature example, housed in the original Garrard & Co. fitted presentation case.
The principal decoration is a full-size George V Distinguished Service Order formed as a white enamel cross pattée with gilt borders, suspended from the correct crimson ribbon with dark blue edge stripes. The obverse centre displays the crowned George V royal cypher “GVR” within a green enamel laurel wreath on a translucent red enamel ground. The reverse displays the Imperial Crown within a matching wreath.
Accompanying the principal insignia is the original matching miniature D.S.O., similarly enamelled and mounted on the corresponding ribbon for miniature medal wear.
The black leatherette fitted case is gilt stamped “D.S.O.” to the exterior and retains its original silk and velvet interior. The silk lining is retailer marked:
“Garrard & Co Ltd
Goldsmiths, Jewellers, &c.
TO THE KING
By Special Appointment
TO THE CROWN.
24, ALBEMARLE ST.,
LONDON, W.1.”
The Garrard retailer details and “To The King” appointment wording are entirely consistent with the George V period. Garrard & Co., official Crown jewellers, produced many privately purchased British orders and decorations for officers during the First World War and interwar era.
History Note:
Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1886, the Distinguished Service Order was awarded to commissioned officers for distinguished leadership and meritorious service under combat conditions. During the First World War the D.S.O. became one of Britain’s most respected gallantry and command decorations, frequently awarded to senior officers and highly distinguished junior commanders.
Approx. Measurements – Case: approx. 12.8 cm x 6.8 cm. Full-size D.S.O. drop: approx. 5 cm. Miniature D.S.O. drop: approx. 3 cm.
*Condition*
The decorations remain in generally good display condition with light age-related wear, minor tarnishing to gilt areas, and some small enamel imperfections visible under close inspection. The ribbons display age, fraying, loose stitching, and handling wear, particularly to the reverse of the full-size decoration. The fitted Garrard case shows rubbing, scuffing, and surface wear commensurate with age and storage, with some light marking to the silk lining and velvet interior. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3281#GOO_26062026
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