Commander Decoration Set, Order Of The White Elephant, Siam Superior Mission Bouvet Lis25elb001

Set of decorations Commander Order of the White Elephant SIAM Superior of Mission Bouvet WWI LIS25ELB001 EXCEPTIONAL SET – ORDER OF THE WHITE ELEPHANT Siam / Thailand – 1st quarter of the 20th century Direct family provenance – Catholic Mission of Bangkok Rare and important historical set comprising the original decorations of the Royal Order of the White Elephant, awarded to Mr. Bouvet, Superior of Mission in Thailand (Bangkok) between 1919 and 1927, a veteran of the First World War. The set is accompanied by personal letters, sent from Bangkok to his family in France, in which he outlines his religious mission, his experience of the Great War, and personal and family texts. The decorations have been kept in the family since the 1930s, without being dispersed. Decorations Breast star of the Order of the White Elephant Commander's badge (worn as a tie / “collar” Original case, with collar flap. Documents: Original handwritten letters sent from Bangkok. Envelopes and postcard mailed from Siam to France. Correspondence addressed to direct family members (Calvados). DESCRIPTION OF DECORATIONS: Breast star, radiant silver star. Central enameled medallion representing the sacred white elephant, royal symbol of Siam. Polychrome enamel of excellent quality (minor and very slight imperfections possible, see photos). Period manufacture, official quality. Tie badge. Enamel badge suspended from its original ribbon. Red ribbon bordered with green and yellow (regulation colors). Gilding and enamels very well preserved (minor and very slight imperfections possible, see photos). ORDER OF THE WHITE ELEPHANT – HISTORY & GRADES: Founded in 1861 by King Rama IV, the Order of the White Elephant is one of the highest distinctions. Royal Thai Order, awarded for exceptional civil and religious services rendered to the Kingdom. Principal ranks of the Order: Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, Grand Cordon. The rank of this decoration is COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE WHITE ELEPHANT. The set presented corresponds to this official rank of Commander, awarded to high-ranking individuals, including: religious leaders, diplomats, and superiors of foreign missions. HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Superior of Mission in Bangkok (1919–1927). Key period in modern Thailand and relations with Catholic missions. Veteran of the Great War, an experience recounted in his correspondence. Decorations kept by his family since the 1930s. Coherent, documented, and unreconstructed set. EXCELLENT PIECE FOR: Decoration collector, Enthusiast of colonial and missionary memorabilia, Historian of Franco-Siamese relations, High-level religious and missionary collection. Star diameter approximately 8 cm. Height of the jewel... Necklace approximately 9 cm long. Box dimensions approximately 18 x 16 x 3.5 cm.