During the Peninsula Wars (1810s), he was employed as a contract provider for Britain, and began to pick up a variety of languages.

He attended a Unitarian School in Moretonhampstead but began working for his father at the age of thirteen. He was born in Exeter, England in 1792 to Charles, a wool merchant and Sarah Jane Ann, the daughter of a vicar. Accompanied by the large award document of the order, dated May 31 1870, presenting the Knight Grand Cross to Sir John Bowring, signed by King Kamehameha I.įootnote: John Bowring had an extensive career of as a linguist, author, politician, economist and diplomat. Protected and housed in original case of issue, wooden frame and wrapped in red leather, with double hook and catch closures, interior lid embossed in gold lettering for Kretly, very fine. Accompanied by the star of the order in typical Kretly style, consisting of eight hand detailed and filed silver arms, centre is a white enameled Maltese cross with Gold rays, applique in Gold with elaborate hand finished K with blue enameled surround inscribed KAMEHAMEHA I, reverse with dual stays and pin assembly, large separately applied makers cypher 'No 46 Kretly, Palais Royal PARIS', measuring 85 mm (w) x 85 mm (h), of absolutely exquisite quality, with small repair to 4 o'clock & 2 o'clock Golden rays, otherwise near mint. Sash badge in Gold consisting of beautifully enameled white Maltese cross with golden rays in each quadrant, centre applique in white enamel with an elaborate hand finished K, surrounded by blue enameled band inscribed KAMEHAMEHA I, beneath which are two laurel branches, the badges reverse is inscribed E HOOKANAKA (Order of Fraternity), the badge is adorned by the Hawaiian crown with detailed enameled jewels, measuring 52 mm (w) x 84 mm (h - inclusive of swivel crown, horizontally pierced suspension ball adorned by cross), with Gold elongated loop, on period and original silk sash, near mint. An absolutely superb order and of great rarity and interest. (Kapuaiwa Kalanikapuapaikalaninui Ali`iolani Kalanimakua). A Royal Order of Kamehameha I (KGCOK), Knight Grand Cross, by Kretly, c.1870 Awarded to Sir John Bowring, the Governor of Hong Kong, for his role in bridging the socioeconomic ties between Europe and the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi The Royal Order of Kamehameha I (KGCOK), Knight Grand Cross of Sir John Bowring, the Governor of Hong Kong

Royal order of kamehameha 1