Awards of Germany - House of the Order of Fidelity - Grand Cross 2. Model

The Order of Fidelity was established on July 17, 1715 by Margrave Charles III. Presented to William of Baden-Durlach. It consisted of only one class. The number of knights was not limited. The reason was the laying of the first stone of the castle in Karlsruhe. Notables were initially awarded to tie them closer to home. In 1720, an embroidered star was presented. In 1803, the order was expanded to 2 classes. The 2nd class was called the commander. Donated in 1808 3rd. No class was awarded. Since 1809, the Home Order of Fidelity again became one-class and became the 1st Home Order of the Baden House. The first to receive this order with diamonds was Prince Metternich in 1815. Grand Duke Leopold once again established classlessness and ruled that all princes at home from the age of 14 are knights of the order. The statutes now provided that only foreign rulers, ruling persons of other houses and persons similar to princes, such as exellations or princes of other houses, would be awarded. Another requirement was the possession of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Zöhringen Lion. The loaned were allowed to put the order on their coat of arms. The order was subject to return. The exception was special awards with diamonds and the chain of the order. In 1871, a reduced cross was presented for the princesses of the house, which was presented for confirmation. The design of the cross changed during the award. The letters - C - between the cross sleeves, as well as the crowns and medallions have changed several times. The figure shows the last assigned form.

Golden Cross in Maltese uniform. The ends of the cruciform arms with small golden balls. The cruciform arms are bordered with gold and enameled with red translucent enamel. Front and back with a round central shield worn. Between the cross sleeves, respectively, the double, ornamented and mirror letter - C - in Karl. Between the tops of the upper cruciform shoulder there is a parallel eye, into which a crown is suspended by ornamented agraphs. A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple. In the ring, a golden blow.

Front side:

• A medallion with a gold, reverse, pearl border.
• Enclosed field with white enameled background.
At
• the top is a silver curved motto - FIDELITAS - (Fidelity)
In the
• center there is a silver double, a mirror letter - C -.
• Below is an image of mountains in blue-green. (picture
)

Downside:

• A medallion with a gold, reverse, pearl border.
• The enclosed field is golden and fine-grained.
• An oblique, raised, red translucent enameled beam passes through the center.

Tape:

Leaf 105 mm, edges 3 mm, side strips 7 mm silver.

Photos of military antiques Kögl www.mkoegl.de
.