Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine K.C.V.O., C.B.E., O. St. J. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Cecil Bingham Levita, Royal Field Artillery

The Royal Victorian Order, K.C.V.O., Knight Commander’s set of insignia, comprising neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, the reverse officially numbered ‘K543’; and breast star, silver, silver-gilt and enamels, with gold pin, the reverse officially numbered, ‘543’; Knight Bachelor’s Badge, 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, hallmarks for London 1973, enamel damaged and gilding worn; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 1st type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, with neck cravat in Garrard, London case of issue (lacking internal pad), small enamel chip to upper arm; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Commander’s neck badge, silver and enamel, in fitted case of issue; British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Lieut. C. B. Levita, R.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (Major C. B. Levita, M.V.O., R.F.A.); Jubilee 1897, silver (Lieut. C. B. Levita, R.H.A.); France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Commander’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck cravat, in case, enamel damage, generally very fine (9) £4,000-£5,000

Cecil Bingham Levita was born on 18 January 1867 and was educated at R.M.A. Woolwich. He was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1886 and was promoted to Captain in 1897 and Major in 1902. Served in the Matabele War in 1896 (Medal). Served as A.D.C. to Lieutenant-General Sir Baker Russell, 1899-1900 and was special service officer, South African War and D.A.A.G., 5th Division, Natal Field Force. Took part in the relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; the operations of 17th to 24th January 1900, and engagement at Spion Kop; of 5th to 7th February 1900, and action at Vaal Krantz; on Tugela Heights, and action at Pieter’s Hill (mentioned in despatches, Medal with three Clasps).

Levita commanded “N” Battery, R.H.A. at the funeral of H.M. Queen Victoria for which he was awarded the M.V.O. 4th Class on 19 March 1901. In the Reserve of Officers, 1909-14. Recalled to service as a General Staff Officer 1st Grade in 1914. Awarded the C.B.E. (Military) in 1919. After the war he served as a member of the London County Council for North Kensington, 1911-37 and was Chairman of the L.C.C., 1928-29. At the end of his term of office he was Knighted for his public and political services. He was Deputy Lieutenant for the County of London and was Justice of the Peace, 1920-50. Appointed a Commander of the Legion of Honour in 1929, and Commander of the Order of St. John in 1930. As originator of the King George Hospital, Ilford, he was awarded the K.C.V.O. on 1 January 1932. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Cecil Bingham Levita died on 10 October 1953.

Sold with original bestowal documents for the C.B.E. and M.V.O., 4th Class; a commission document appointing Levita a Lieutenant, 29 July 1886; a fine portrait photograph of the recipient, 293 x 236mm., mounted on card; a group photograph with his fellow officers at Aldershot in July 1901; an appointment on vellum as Deputy Lieutenant of the County of London; and a silver presentation trowel, hallmarked London 1927, with ivory handle, inscribed ‘This trowel was used by Lieut-Colonel Sir Cecil B. Levita C.B.E., M.V.O., D.L., J.P., L.C.C. when laying a foundation Stone of the King George Hospital, Ilford on the 5th July, 1930.’ Together with a substantial file of copied research.