Barrette in 14k (585/1000) gold holding two reduced British - Lot 98

Barrette in 14k (585/1000) gold holding two reduced British and French decorations, of luxurious manufacture, for gala: - UNITED KINGDOM, Order of the League of Mercy (created in 1899). A 14k (585/1000) gold cross entirely paved with calibrated rubies (missing), the Prince of Wales crown set with diamond-cut roses, center missing. With black and white ribbon. Height: 5.7 cm - FRANCE, Order of the Legion of Honor (created in 1804). A IIIe République-era knight's cross in 18k (750/1000) gold and platinum, polychrome enamel, set with diamonds and small rubies, with its red ribbon. England, circa 1910. H. 7.5 cm (H. with ribbon: 10 cm) Gross weight: 41.5 g. Provenance Lord Herbert Stern, first Baron Michelham (1851-1919). History Son of a London-based German banker and a Portuguese baroness, himself a director of the Stern Brothers bank, he distinguished himself through his philanthropic actions during the Great War and his patronage of the arts, characterized by numerous donations to London's National Gallery. Elevated to the distinction of Baron Michelham in February 1906 by King Edward VII, he was also rewarded for his loyal services by being made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order on April 4, 1912. On February 13, 1906, during the first session of Parliament in the reign of Edward VII (1901-1910), Lord Herbert Michelham was introduced to the House of Lords by Lord Belper and Lord Shelborne. Dressed in his ceremonial robes, he was inducted as a Baron by the new British monarch, Edward VII, along with four other Lords. His wife Aimée Géraldine (née Bradshaw), Lady Michelham (1882-1927), a nurse, was president of the League of Mercy. Expert: Maxime CHARRON