~ Gieves Royal Navy Commanders DSC Cased Bicorn With Epaulettes & Sword Belt ~
The set was owned by Commander Geoffrey Ellis Baker R.N. DSC.
The set is comprised of a bicorn, epaulettes, sword belt and tin case.
The set also comes with a copy of the London Gazette from 18 September 1945, when he was a Lieutenant serving on H.M.S Virago in the East Indies Station. He won the Distinguished Service Cross for taking part on the destruction of the Japanese Nachi Class heavy cruiser and probable destruction of a Japanese destroyer.
G. E. Baker is mentioned in London Gazette on 6th January 1950 as being appointed Commander and on 1st January 1963 receiving the Order of the British Empire – Officer Grade (OBE).
The set was made by Gieves of London as can be seen on the well preserved labels, stamps and badges on each of its components.
The plush bicorn has a black, pleated silk cockade with a gold bullion coil to the centre, a pleated silk liner and leather head band. There are the usual bullion coils at either end. The cream lining of the bicorn is marked with the manufacturer’s details in gilt letters.
The gold bullion fringed epaulettes both have silver bullion Royal Navy Anchors and are marked on the reverse with the manufacturer’s details.
The sword belt is made from black leather & has the Royal Navy buckle.
The buttons and buckle bear the Kings crown.
The case is of tin with a red velvet lining and bears on the lid the name of the owner and the Gieves badge.
~ Dimensions ~
The case has a width of 18.5 inches (47 cm), a depth of 9 inches (22.9 cm) and a height of 9 inches (23 cm).
The bicorn measures 17 inches (43.2 cm) for to aft with a height of 6 inches (15.2 cm), a width of 8 inches (20.3 cm) & a inner width of 6.5 inches (16.5) and length of 8.2 inches (21 cm).
The complete set weighs 5.6 kg.
~ Condition ~
The set is in exceptional condition with almost no signs of wear, as clearly seen in the pictures.
All the stamps are clearly visible, the bullion remains very bright.
The lining has few spots of dirt but remains clean overall.
The box is also in good condition with some wear on the outside and few spots of surface rust. The inside of it has some discolouration of the red velvet and minor tears.
