Awards of Germany - Order of Heinrich Leo Commander's Cross

The Order of Henry the Lion of the Duchy of Braunschweig was established on April 25, 1834 by the Duke Wilhelm. The predecessors of the order date back to 1731. They already feature typical insignia such as a white horse and peacock feathers. Initially, the order consisted of a large cross, the commander of the 1st and 2nd. Class and Knights, and the Merit Cross in Grade 2. 1st class komturas, in addition to the cross, received a chest star. Swords were donated to all classes in 1870. By decree of March 8, 1877, the order was expanded to a knight of the 2nd class. In 1903, under the regent Prince Albrecht of Prussia, a silver medal was added to the order. In 1908, the order was expanded. 1st class of the order, between the Grand Cross and Commander 1. Class, officer cross, between commander 2. Class and Knight 1. The class, as well as the 4th class, after Knight 2nd Class and before the Golden Cross of Merit, were newly donated classes. The medal for many years of service, donated in 1903, has now become 2-classical, silver and bronze. In addition, an oval gold and silver coin was established for art and science.
The crosses of the commanders were gilded in gold and silver. There are differences in the design of the horse with its tail lowered and directed upward (since about 1912). The lion can look forward or backward. Since 1909, crosses began to be made only of silver with gilding. A total of 1,426 copies were produced. 1st class (included) with a chest star 523 times.

An eight-pointed, hollow, golden cross with golden balls on the tops of the cross sleeves. The cruciform arms are golden burgundy and light blue enameled. Between the cross sleeves, respectively, the golden, crowned, decorated letter - W -. Front and rear with a round central shield. Between the tops of the upper cruciform shoulder is a golden fan ornament on which stands a lion screaming to the left. A golden crown rests on the lion, half-height gaps, fed with red enamel. Starting from the balls of the upper cruciform shoulder on the left and right, a green enameled laurel branch (5 leaves each) goes to the crown. A small ring passes through the imperial crown apple, through which a large ribbon ring decorated with leaves passes.

Front side:

• On light blue cross-shaped sleeves on the right and left there are 3 peacock feathers in gold, green, dark blue colors.
• On the upper cruciform shoulder there is a golden crown in front of 5 peacock feathers in gold, green, dark blue..
• On the lower cruciform hand is a knight's helmet, the golden feathers of which frame the central shield.
• The round central shield in the background is red with rays. On the edge is a white ornament.
In the
• center in front of a vertical white pillar is a leaping white horse. (Welfenross
)

Downside:

• Light blue cross hands without painting.
• Round central shield with a wide edge between 2 raised lines.
• The Roman numeral is rewritten on it: - MDCCCXXXIV - 1834 of foundation.
• Below is a 6-beam star.
In
• a closed field, with a red glazed, shaded background,
• 2-line gold font: - IMMOTA -/- FIDES - (Unwavering Fidelity)

Tape:

Collar 68 mm wide, yellow side stripes 8 mm.

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