Orders, Decorations and Medals

KING'S MESSENGER BADGE, oval, the motto of the Garter surrounding the central painted arms of William IV, surmounted by the Royal Crown, all in silver-gilt, pendant greyhound in silver, the reverse with original slide fitment, hallmarks for London, 1824 and makers mark for Robert Hennell, engraved in script (Edward Pratt, July 1824) overall height 100mm, some loss to painted centre, glass lacking and one foot broken on greyhound, otherwise very fine and rare

Edward Pratt was appointed King's Messenger in July, 1824 and was a Home Office messenger attached to the Colonial Office. He retired about 1847 on the grounds of age and infirmity.It was not unusual for these badges, which were returnable, to have the cyphers and arms changed as each new monarch came to the throne.