Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine group of decorations conferred on Thomas Norman Manners, Commissioner of Posts in China

China, Republic, Order of the Striped Tiger, 5th Class breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, two silver stars on upper arm, stamp marks on reverse, central medallion a little chipped and cracked, with lapel rosette, in its black lacquer case of issue; Order of the Golden Grain (Excellent Crop), 3rd Class neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, enamel chipped on obverse centre, with neck cravat and rosette in its fitted case of issue; Order of the Golden Grain (Excellent Crop), 4th Class breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with rosette in its fitted case of issue; Order of the Golden Grain (Excellent Crop), 7th Class breast badge, silver and enamel, with rosette in its black lacquer case of issue; Red Cross Medal, silver-gilt and enamel; together with stick-pin; War Lord Medal, unidentified gilt badge with central portrait; Laos, Royal Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol, breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, together with another similar badge, this with enamel damage, both contained in Auger, Paris fitted cases of issue; unless otherwise described, generally good very fine (lot) £2500-3000

The lot is accompanied by seven illuminated award scrolls relating to the above Orders, all in their original tubes - one relating to the Order of the Striped Tiger; five relating to the Order of the Golden Grain and one to the Order of the Million Elephants, some wear and damage to tubes, contents mostly in very good condition. Together with three Warrants granting permission to wear the Order of the Excellent Crop 4th Class (February 1921), 6th Class (March 1916), and 7th Class (July 1914), all personally signed by King George V; two letters from the Vice-Consul at Longtcheou & Nanning relating to the Royal Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol, dated August and September 1919; Certificate of Registration from the British Consulate at Canton to T. H. Manners for the year 1916, with attached photograph; and seven photographs, mostly featuring Manning in China, one of which is inscribed on the reverse ‘Photo taken in Emperor’s Palace by Baron Mannerheim, May 1908.’

Thomas Norman Manners was Acting Deputy Postal Commissioner, Chinese Post Office, Canton, during the Great War, and later Commissioner of Chinese Posts at Longtcheou and Nanning, Laos.

For the recipient’s miniature dress medals, see lot 739.