Order of the Indian Empire

Q I’d like information about a plate that has a flower-like symbol on the front with the words ”Imperatricis auspiciis” around a picture of a person wearing a crown. The plate is marked on the back ”Cauldon Ware, Trade mark William Whiteley, universal provider, Westbourne Grove London W, Cauldon England.” What does this symbol represent?

A The flower-like symbol is the emblem of the Order of the Indian Empire, an order of chivalry honoring officials who served in India. It was founded in 1878 by Queen Victoria. The medals we’ve seen have her portrait in the center of the emblem. The Latin words ”Imperatricis auspiciis” mean ”Under the auspices of the Empress.” In 1887, the name of the order was changed to The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire. After India became independent in 1947, no further appointments to the order were made. The last knight died in 2010. Cauldon Ware is a trademark used beginning about 1890 by Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co., a Staffordshire pottery which worked at Cauldon Place. William Whiteley (1831-1907) opened a retail shop on Westbourne Grove in 1863. He called himself ”The Universal Provider” because he sold just about everything. On January 24, 1907, Whiteley was shot dead at his shop by Horace Raynor, who said he was Whiteley’s illegitimate son.