Awards of Germany - Order of Heinrich Leo Knight's Cross 1. Class with swords under the cross

The Order of the Duchy of Braunschweig was established on April 25, 1834 by Duke Wilhelm in memory of Heinrich Leo. Initially, the order consisted of classes: Grand Cross, Comtur 1st and 2nd Class, Knight, as well as the Gold and Silver Cross for Merit. Swords were donated in 1870. By decree of March 8, 1877, the order was expanded to a knight of the 2nd class. In 1903, 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 order was awarded both for civil merit and for military merit with swords. Swords for the cross were awarded in 2 versions. An early version during the war of 1870/71 awarded swords under the cross. (Shown here) Of these, only 88 crosses were made. Crosses with swords through the center have been awarded since 1909. In total, about 300 crosses were awarded for military merits.

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. On an imperial apple with a crown cross, a spherical eye with a ribbon ring. To the tops of the lower cross arms are soldered 2 crossed golden swords.

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 middle in front of a vertical white pillar, a white horse galloping to the left.

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:

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Obverse: Order of Henry the Lion Knight's Cross 1. Class with swords under the cross

Reverse: Order of Henry the Lion Knight's Cross 1. Class with swords under the cross

Established:

April 25, 1834 by Duke William
Swords under the cross on September 12, 1870

Awarded:

1834 – 1918

Data:

• Material: gold, enamel
• Size: 39mm x 60mm
• Weight: about 16g

estimated collector price:

2400 – 2600 €

OEK Number:

593