Awards of Germany - Order of St. John of Jerusalem Cross of the Knights of Honor

The Knights of Honour cross shown here is made of gold and is hollow. Later gilt silver or bronze crosses are usually struck in their entirety and are correspondingly heavier. Workmanship is also not so good. The first honorary knights were still living, former knights until 1810, who did not want to be accepted into the new order. Other honorary knights were appointed by the king and approved by the Lord Master. They were associated with the Order. They should not have passed the "noble test," did not receive a "knightly blow" and were not introduced into the chapter. However, the honorary knights did not wear a black cloak.
The Royal Prussian Order of St. John was established by King Frederick William III. Founded in 1812. At the same time, he dissolved the Ballay Brandenburg and confiscated their possessions. The first Grand Master was Prince Ferdinand of Prussia, and Prince Henry of Prussia became his successor. Frederick William IV. October 15, 1852 resumed and restored the "Balley Brandenburg." Since then, the order has been called the knightly order of St. John of Jerusalem. Initially, the order consisted of 2 classes, grandmasters and knights of the order. With the 1852 renewal, the order consisted of the following classes: Protector's Cross, Master's Cross, Commander's Cross, Cavaliers' Cross of Rights, Cavaliers' Cross of Honor, and Cavaliers' Cross of Honor with Crown for Sovereigns. Real members of the order, komturas and legal knights, had to pay an annual fee of 12 thalers, as well as pay an entrance fee of 100 thalers. Knights of the Royal Prussian Order of St. John could become real knights of the order without an entrance fee. If they did not use it, they became honorary knights of the order. The king reserved the right to appoint new honorary knights, who had to pay 100 thalers for insignia. The persons themselves who applied for appointment to the Knights of Honor had to pay 200 and even 300 thalers. In 1853, Prince Karl of Prussia was elected Knight of the Order. Since 1883, after his death, Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Albrecht of Prussia accepted this dignity.

Eight-pointed cross made of gold. Round segment with hole through which elongated band ring passes is located between tops of upper cruciform arm. On the lower cruciform shoulder - S&W - for Sy and Wagner.

Front side:

• The cruciform arms are enameled in white and sheathed in gold.
• Between the cross sleeves is a golden burgundy black Prussian eagle with a golden crown.
• The eagles of the upper half look up, the lower half look down.

Downside:

• Right on the front.

Tape:

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Order of St. John Hospital in Jerusalem Cross of the Knights of Honor

Reverse: Chivalric Order of St. John Hospital in Jerusalem Cross of the Knights of Honor

Established:

October 15, 1852 by King Frederick William IV.

Awarded:

1852 – 1918

Data:

• Material: gold, enamel, partially painted
• Size: 56.5mm x 56.1mm
• Weight: 20.65g

estimated collector price:

920 - €960 in gold
720 - 760 € silver with gilding
400 - 430 € in bronze with gilding

OEK Number:

1802