TURKEY, ORDER OF NISHANI SHEFKAT |

First Class sash badge, in red gold, green and red enamel, with central gold medallion dated AH 1295 [1878], reverse with applied star and crescent in wreath in yellow gold, with (worn) original sash, good very fine

This Order, awarded exclusively to Ladies, must have belonged either to the 2nd Duke’s mother, his wife Mrs Fitzgeorge, or possibly to one of his sisters. At least one copy of Christie’s 1904 sale catalogue of the late Duke’s own Orders lists an additional lot – ‘815A. A Turkish Order of Nishani Shefakat; and a star of small size.’ The price realised at the time was £64, a figure suggesting a very high quality or jewelled piece of insignia.