Description
the ivory silk field with silver bullion fringed border and cross, with central circular badge of The Order of The Thistle, with embroidered thistle within motto NEMO.ME.IMPUNE.LACESSIT, mounted and framed
Dimensions
badge 7cm x 9cm approximately
Footnote
Provenance:
Bestowed upon Prince Charles Edward Stuart by his Father King James VII (and II of England)
gifted to James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth, by Prince Charles Edward Stuart after the battle of Culloden
then gifted to Mr and Mrs William King of Newmill, Elgin
Handed down for four generations
Archibald Stewart Leslie Esq. of Lesmurdle collection
Exhibited at the Scottish Print Club
'The Jacobites and their Adversaries' Christies Scotland 12th June 1996, lot 100d
Note:
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle was first established in Scotland by King James VII of Scotland (II of England) in 1678, a reestablishment of a much older order. The true history of the earlier establishment of the Order is lost in history but some, spurious, histories suggest it was started as early as the 8th century. King James bestowed the Order on Prince Charles Edward Stuart as the first Royal member and his pride in this award was obvious. Many of the most iconic and recognizable portraits commissioned by the Stuart's feature Charles wearing his garter badge.
This items later history not only tells of close and important Jacobite connections but also the turmoil the fleeing defeated Jacobite's had in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The example worn by Prince Charles throughout the campaigns of 1745-46 is undoubtedly the example seen in the famous portraits and was a treasured personal possession. It was gift to the James Drummond 3rd Duke of Perth one of his most trusted supporters tells of a final gift given in the hardest of times. Drummond also undoubtedly considered it if great value using it to save his life. As is recorded in the Scottish Print Club exhibition 'lent by Archibald Stewart Leslie Esq. of Lesmurdle consisted of an embroidered silk badge of the Order of the Thistle which was worn by 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' during the campaign of 1745-46. After the fated battle of Culloden it was given by the Prince to the Duke of Perth. During his flight from Culloden the Duke to refuge in the house of Grey Friars, Elgin, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. William King of Newmill. Here he was concealed, with two companions, in a hiding hole behind the kitchen fireplace. A Hanoverian search party failed to discover the fugitives, and after the departure of the troops the Duke presented the badge to Mrs. King as token of gratitude'
The risk taken by the King family to hide three wanted Jacobite's was a great risk and showed the support that was given to the fleeing armies. This re paid with such a personal relic of Charles and the cause shows not only the value placed by giver but also receiver, the token being payment for the possible retribution that would have befallen the King family. Although a simple piece of embroidery the iconic nature of the piece still resonates today.