Ceremonial Vases

Mid-20th Century Ceremonial Vases

We are proud to offer a rare example of a matched pair of ceremonial decorative vases dated 1948. Hand painted leather forms covered in floral motifs, and with a central coat of arms (DTO FAVENE) stating “To General J.H Marden & Mrs Marden, Frum Officers & Men of BTC. ESP, Dated The 22 Sep 1948.

History: The Remarkable O.B.E. Group of 20 awarded Lieutenant-General John Harold Marden, O.B.E., Commander-in-Chief of Bahawalpur State Forces, late 2nd / 76th Punjabis. Having served as a Second Lieutenant late on in the Great War, and on the North West Frontier in 1919-21 with the forces of the Maharajah of Nabha. Some years later in the 1930s he joined the Army of Bahawalpur, becoming its Commander-in-Chief, and serving (and being wounded) during the periods of unrest leading up to and after the partition of India and the creation of the Dominion of Pakistan in 1947. He served as a Personal Aide to the Amir of Bahawalpur until his death in 1974, and features heavily in the book ‘Divide and Quit: An Eyewitness Account of the Partition of India’ by Sir Penderel Moon, Revenue Minister of Bahawalpur, comprising: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Military Division, Officer’s (O.B.E.) breast badge, in silver-gilt; 1914-15 Star (Lt. J. H. Marden.), erased and renamed; British War and Victory Medals, 1914-1919 (2. Lieut. J. H. Marden.); India General Service, 1908-1935, two clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Waziristan 1919-21 (tailor’s copy, damaged) upon ribbon (Major J. H. Marden, Nabha I. S. Infy.), privately engraved correction to rank, remainder officially impressed; 1939-1945 Star; Burma Star; War Medal, 1939-1945; India Service Medal, 1939-1945; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Territorial Force Efficiency, G.V.R. (Lt. J. Marden.) erased and engraved in upright capitals; Pakistan Medal, 1947 (Lt. Gen. John Harold Marden Bahawalpur State Forces), impressed; Bahawalpur, Bahalwalpur-Pakistan Alliance Medal, 1947; Bahawalpur, The Second Great War Medal (or Overseas Service Medal), 1939-1945; Bahawalpur, Victory Star, 1939-1945; Bahawalpur, Golden Jubilee Medal, 1955/6 (incorrect ribbon); Bahawalpur, Installation Silver Jubilee Medal, 1949; Bahawalpur, Installation Silver Jubilee Medal, 1931; Bahawalpur, British-Bahawalpur Alliance Centenary Medal, 1933 (Major. J. H. Mardon, 1st Bahr. Sad. Inf.), engraved in upright capitals; Group swing-mounted upon bar with reverse pin for wear, toned, generally very fine to good very fine, a rare combination of medals (20). O.B.E.: London +A2551:A2568Gazette (Supplement): 1 January 1946 (New Year Honours)

Size in inches approx.: H 12.5” x W 6” x D 6”
Period: 1948
Material: Leather
Origin: India
Condition: Aged

Completely solid in structure and form, worn surface, loss of painted surface in certain areas. A rare surviving set and in over very presentable condition.

It is exceedingly difficult to photograph all the areas on this piece. Therefore, we strongly suggest reviewing all the photos provided as part of this advert and propose questions where sections / condition is unclear to avoid disappointment when purchasing.