A RARE GEORGE III PARCELGILT KING'S MESSENGER BADGEcast in the form of the Royal strap & buckle with crown surmount & the text "HONI.SOIT.QUI.MAL.Y PENSE" around the border, emblazoned with the painted & gilt Royal Arms, (behind glass), below the initals "GIIIR" with suspensory ring & clasp at the rear, by William Pitts, London 1801; 5.75" (14.5 cms) overall drop; 5 oz*These messengers are known to have held office as early as the 15th century in England when they numbered only four. By the mid 17th century their numbers had multiplied considerably and they still operate today, travelling the world on the Crown's business. In early times, being a messenger was a particularly dangerous job and you had to be extremely proficient on a horse and in the use of a sword or latterly a pistol.