An outstanding Collection of Awards relating to the Order of St John

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, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel; breast star, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, with gold pin, both pieces officially numbered, ‘543’; Knight Bachelor’s Badge, 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt and enamel, hallmarks for London 1973, enamel damage; The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 1st type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck cravat in Garrard, London case of issue (lacking internal pad); The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Commander’s (Brother’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.) these three mounted court style for wear; France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Commander’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck cravat, in case, enamel damage, generally very fine (11) £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An outstanding Collection of Awards relating to the Order of St John.

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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 (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 - for which he was mentioned in despatches. Levita commanded the R.H.A. Battery 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 a Bestowal Document for the Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. to Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Bingham Levita, M.V.O., framed and glazed; commission document appointing Levita a Lieutenant, 29 July 1886; bestowal document for the French Legion of Honour, Commander, 3 May 1929; together with a portrait photograph of the recipient, 293 x 236mm., mounted on card. With some copied research.

For an Order attributed to Harry Plumridge Levita, see lot 1096.