Awards of Germany - Order of the Vendian Crown Grand Cross with Crown in Gold

The Grand Cross is the highest class of the order. Crosses with a crown in ore and crosses as shown here with a crown in gold were granted. Domestic awards in Mecklenburg-Strelitz were limited to 3, which is not for foreigners. The order was awarded for special merits and genuine honesty in the way of thoughts and life. The Grand Cross could also be awarded to persons of a non-princely class holding a position associated with or equated with a predicate of superiority. A large cross with a crown in ore was awarded mainly to the rulers and princes of other ruling houses. A large cross with a crown in gold was usually awarded to generals, privy councilors, ministers, etc. The Grand Cross also includes an eight-pointed breast star. Swords could also be awarded for military merits.
This order was created jointly by the Grand Dukes Friedrich Franz II. established in Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Friedrich Wilhelm in Mecklenburg-Strelitz on May 12, 1864. It consisted of 4 classes: a large cross, a large komtur, a komtur and a knight. The number of awards was limited for both grand duchies. A merit cross in gold and silver was attached. Crosses were awarded with 2 different decisions. 1. Mecklenburg-Schwerin: "Per Aspera ad Astra" (Through density to light) and 2. Mecklenburg-Strelitz: "Avito viret Honore" (It blooms in generic honor). The medallion behind, respectively, with different letters - F F -, for Friedrich Franz Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, or - F W -, for Friedrich Wilhelm Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
The number of awards of the Grand Cross with the crown in ore is 43, and the Grand Cross with the crown in gold is 36, that is, slightly less. However, significantly fewer crosses must be received when returning. Источник: Peter Ohm-Hieronymussen, Die Mecklenburg-Strelitzer Orden und Ehrenzeichen, 2000.

A pointed cross made of gold with small balls at the tips of the crosses. The cross arms are sheathed in gold and enameled in white. Gold, enameled medallions are placed in front and behind. Between the transverse arms, respectively, a golden, serrated griffin, 2 go up and 2 go down. Between the tops of the upper cruciform sleeve is a decorated golden agraf. It depicts mirror letters - F - and - W - in the center for the initials of Grand Duke Friedrich Wilhelm. The large golden crown is movably connected to the agraph. A small ring with a double ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple.

Front side:

• Medallion with a wide, red translucent enameled ring with cilization under it.
• Outside and inside are bordered by a narrow winding golden border.
• On the ring is a golden inscription: - AVITO - VIRET - HONORE - below is a 6-petal flower.
• A golden crowned crown is laid in a closed blue enameled field.

Downside:

• A medallion with a narrow, decorated with a gold border.
• The midfield is enamelled in blue. It has a gold, decorated monogram of the founder.
• It consists of 2 reflected - F - and one - W - in the center.

Tape:

• light blue 105 mm wide, edging light blue 5 mm, side stripes gold/red 4 mm each.

.

Obverse: House of the Order of the Vendian Crown Grand Cross with Crown in Gold

Reverse: Order of the Vendian Crown Grand Cross with Crown in Gold

Established:

May 12, 1864 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II. and Friedrich Wilhelm

Awarded:

1864 – 1918

Data:

• Material: gold, enamel
• Size: 116mm x 76mm, 38mm x 28mm crown
• Weight: about 65g

estimated collector price:

7800 – 8000 €

OEK Number:

1380