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HISTORY OF THE

[HABITS AND ENSIGNS.

THE STAR.

The Ensign or Star of the Civil Knights Grand Cross, consists of threegold Imperial Crowns, as in the Collar, one and two, surrounded by a Circle ofred enamel, charged with the Motto in gold letters, and having Rays of Silverforming a Glory, issuing from the Centre, of which an exact representation isgiven in the Plate.

The Star of the Military Knights Grand Cross, is formed of Rays ofSilver, having thereon a gold Maltese Cross, in the centre of which, on a silverground, are three Imperial gold Crowns, 2 within a Circle of red enamel,charged with the Motto, in letters of gold, surrounded by two Sprigs of Laurelin proper colours, issuing from a blue Escrol, containing the words 31 rf) 2Di'm, ingold letters, as on the Badge.

The Star of the Knights Commanders, is of Silver, in the form of a CrossPat6e, having three gold Imperial Crowns 2 in the Centre, surrounded by theMotto, and Branches of Laurel, with the Escrol, and the words 31 rf) SDtat, as inthe Star of the Military Knights Grand Cross. The Star 3 is worn on the centreof the left breast.

THE MANTLE, or ROBE,

Is the most ancient part of the Habit of the Order, and closely resembles theoriginal pattern. It is made of rich Crimson Satin, lined with white ducapeSilk, having on the left side the proper Star, in embroidery. On the left shoulderis placed “ the Lace of White Silk anciently worn by the Knights.” 4 It isclosed at the neck by a long Cordon of white silk, having at either end a crimsonsilk Tassel, netted and fringed with gold. The Statutes declare, that “ it shall

2 Though the Crowns in all the Stars of the Order of the Bath ought to be the same, and shouldresemble those in the Collar, namely, Imperial Crowns, and which still occur in the Stars of the CivilKnights, the Crowns in the Stars of the Military Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commandersare improperly made to resemble the Crown of the Sovereign.

3 Some remarks respecting the Star will be found in- the account of the Ceremony of Investiture,

pp. 203, 204, postea. * Vide Statutes, Art. VII. p. 52, antea.