EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India 1901-10. The ...

EDWARD VII: (1841-1910) King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India 1901-10. The original gilded metal prototype design (Pattern No. 3465) of the Royal Cipher and Crown of King Edward VII to be used by the newly crowned monarch in his capacity as Emperor of India and approved by him personally. The attractive design, featuring the entwining initials E R I [Edward Rex Imperator] with the Royal crown above, was made by the Birmingham company of Bent & Parker and is affixed to the original small 8vo card upon which it was presented to King Edward VII for his approval. The King has signed ('Appd. ER') the card in the upper left corner to indicate his approval of the design which was subsequently used on all manner of official documents in India in recognition of the King becoming Emperor of India in 1901. King Edward VII has also added the date, 13th June 1901, in his hand to the card, less than six months after becoming Emperor of India. The verso of the card bears the manufacturers ink name and an official red wax seal as well as the oval ink stamp of the India Store Depot, dated 15th June 1901, just two days after the King approved the Cipher. Also affixed to the card is the original partially printed India Store Depot label from Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London, completed by the Superintendent on 17th June 1901 and stating 'Badge, metal, Imperial Cypher with Crown as approved by H.M. the King….' and further marked in red ink 'Not to be lost'. A truly unique and historical Royal Cipher directly relating to King Edward VII's time as Emperor of India. Some overall age wear and uniform toning to the card and the label with some creasing and staining, G