From the Life in the Sikh Kingdoms collection ·
The full story
An honour could turn service into something visible. Ranjit Singh introduced an order of merit in the late 1830s, with different grades recognizing rank and service. A surviving star awarded to the British diplomat Claude Martine Wade is dated 1838; its catalogue describes gems, enamel and a small central portrait, probably of the Maharaja.
The historical medal rewards a second look. Its reverse carries floral enamel and an inscription: craftsmanship continued on the side that a viewer might never see. Such a decoration belonged to a world of diplomacy, personal loyalty and carefully chosen gifts.
This card reimagines that tradition as a radiant gold medallion. The portrait, lettering and proportions are artistic choices, rather than a copy of Wade’s surviving award. Redeeming the card is a campaign achievement, not admission to the historical order. Compare it with the documented example in the linked catalogue.
Research & sources
Follow the historical record behind this card. Campaign artwork is an interpretation; an object’s ownership, appearance or a person’s likeness needs its own evidence.
Place it in the wider story.
Coins, jewels and the Star of Punjab ↗
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