Delhi Durbar 1911. Scarce copy of the official Investiture Programme of 14th December 1911

McMahon, A.H., Master of Ceremonies: Investiture by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor at Delhi on Thursday, the 14th December 1911,at 9.30 p.m.  No publishing details [like many official publications]. Small 4to [8¼ x 8½ ins.].

11pp printed on particularly thick, parchment-like paper.sewn as issued with a final blank. This C.B.unusual survival [the only copy we have come across in three decades of dealing in Durbar memorabilia] gives a highly detailed description of the evening, beginnning with the precise timing of arrivals. Spectators arrived at 8.15pm, Ruling Chiefs 8.20pm, Gentlemen to be invested by 8.30pm…Knights Commanders st 9p.m. …Governor-General of India & Lady Harding with Staff at 9.20pm. until at 9.30p.m.Their Imprial Majesties arrive at the Grand Entrance and a procession is formed. The final six pages lists all those to be invested with the following orders: G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., C.I., K.C.B., K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E., K.C.V.O., K.B., C.V.O., C.B., C.S.I., C.I.E., M.V.O., I.S.O., K.I.H. There are two marginal comments by the original owner regarding relations.  mar8/1

Provenance: Acquired from a distant relation of Sir Christopher Masterman, C.S.I., C.I.E. [1889-1982] Chief Secretary to the Government of Madras 1942-27.