Grand Cordon Set (Special Class) Knight, instituted in 1873. Collar Chain, 93 cm., thirty-six links gilt Silver and enameled collar, composed of sixteen Rama V cyphers in pink enamel, seventeen green and pink enameled rosettes, their centres composed of three gilt and white enameled Airavata elephants, with gilt crown and gilt starburst above, flanked by a gilt and enameled lion carrying a white Royal parasol either side. Sash or Collar Badge, 84x50 mm., in gilt Silver and enamels, the centre with portrait of King Rama V within blue enameled outer circlet, this bearing in gold letters the motto “I will preserve the Royal family line” with crown and sunburst suspension, the reverse with three Airavata elephants with trident above, within blue enameled border containing gilt and outer white enameled chakra. Breast Star, 82 mm., in gilt Silver, enameled and with gilt retaining pin bearing central diamond (paste) set Rama V monogram on a pink enameled background with gilt motto on blue enameled background around. Junior Companion’s Medal, 70x38 mm., Silver, with portrait of Rama V on obverse and Airavata elephant on reverse, riband bar with Rama V cypher surmounted by crown. In blue velvet and silk lined, fitted case pink silk sash, together with a framed photo of the Imperial family. An extremely rare set of imposing beauty and great importance, awarded to sovereigns; Princes of the Thai Royal family and heads of state only, excellent condition.
note: The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao was founded by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) on 16 November 1873 to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Chakri dynasty. The collar pink represents the birthday colour (Tuesday). The Order comes in four Classes: Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class), Knight Grand Cross (First Class), Knight Grand Commander (Second Class, higher Grade), Knight Commander (Second Class, lower Grade), Grand Companion (Third Class, Higher Grade), Companion (Third Class, lower Grade), Junior Companion. Knights of the Grand Cordon, as previously said in the description’s text, are limited to Thai Royalty and foreign Heads of State. When the Order is bestowed upon Thai recipients it becomes an hereditary award and is passed on to the eldest son of the recipient. A beautifully-made set, in excellent condition. I RR!