The _Star_ is of five rays of silver, alternated with as many rays of gold. In the centre, within a purple circle, inscribed with the Motto, “IMPERATRICIS AUSPICIIS,” and surmounted by the Crown, is an effigy of Queen VICTORIA. The _Collar_ is composed of elephants, lotus-flowers, peacocks in their pride, and Indian roses, all connected by gold chains. The _Badge_ is a red enamelled rose, in the centre of which is the effigy within the Motto as on the Star. [Illustration: No. 459.--The Badge.] [Illustration: No. 460.--G.C.V.O. Star.] [Illustration: No. 461.--K.C.V.O. Star.] [Illustration: No. 462.--G.C.V.O. Badge.] [Illustration: No. 463.--K.C.V.O. Badge.] The ROYAL VICTORIAN ORDER was instituted in 1896 as the personal Order of the British Sovereign, and is divided into five classes--KNIGHTS GRAND CROSS (G.C.V.O.), KNIGHTS COMMANDERS (K.C.V.O.), COMMANDERS (C.V.O.), and Members of the Fourth and Fifth Classes (both M.V.O.). The _Star_ is of eight points, and of chipped silver, having in the centre a representation of the Badge. The BADGE is a white Maltese Cross. It has an oval enamelled centre of crimson with the monogram V. R. I., within a blue enamelled circle, carrying the Motto of the Order “VICTORIA,” the circle surmounted by the Crown. There is no collar for the order, but the King occasionally bestows, as an extreme mark of favour, “The Royal Victorian Chain,” a decoration not governed by express Statute. [Illustration: No. 464.--Distinguished Service Order.] [Illustration: No. 465.--Imperial Service Order.] The DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER is a Military Decoration instituted in 1886, but which does not carry the style of Knighthood. The _Badge_ is a gold cross enamelled white and of a circular outline. In the centre (on the one side) is the Crown on a red enamel ground within a wreath of laurel, (and on the other side) the Royal Cypher takes the place of the Crown. The IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER, a purely Civil Decoration instituted in 1902, is confined to the Administrative Services of the Empire. The _Badge_ is an eight-rayed star bearing (on one side) the Royal Cypher and (on the other side) “For faithful service,” surrounded by a wreath of laurel and surmounted by the Crown. [Illustration: No. 440.--The Victoria Cross.] The VICTORIA CROSS, of bronze, was instituted by her late Majesty Queen VICTORIA in 1856, to render honour to “conspicuous bravery” in actual conflict, by sea or land. This Cross, No. 440, is worn on the left breast, attached to a _blue_ ribbon for the Navy, and to a _red_ ribbon for the Army. A Bar is attached to the ribbon for every additional such act of bravery as would have won the Cross. [Illustration: No. 441.--The Albert Medal.]