German Awards - Order of the Black Eagle (1888-1918)

The Order of the Black Eagle was established on the occasion of the coronation of Frederick I on January 17, 1701. The slogan of the order: - SUUM CUIQUE - To each his own. The Order of the Black Eagle was not an order of merit, but a knightly order, which was originally awarded only to persons of princely origin and could prove this for generations. With the change of statutes by King Frederick William IV. On February 20, 1848, it was possible to borrow even those who had not previously been a nobleman. They received a hereditary noble title. Prussian princes received the order at birth, but wore it only with the first uniform, after confirmation. The order existed only as a one-class award. Initially, the number of knights was limited to 30. On the day of the coronation, 20 knights were awarded. Until the middle of the XIX century, the stars of the order were embroidered. The first metal stars of the order were made in 1810. Since 1858, stars began to be made only of silver. Few knights of the Order of the Black Eagle were also simultaneously holders of the English Order of the Garter. He could wrap an enameled ribbon around the star. In addition, the stars could be equipped with diamonds. The decoration of the order also included the collan, an order chain. Initially, each knight received these collans. During the award period, it was later forgotten and again issued to each knight only at the end of the 19th century. The constant wearing of the order was mandatory and for violations was punishable by fines in favor of the orphanage in Königsberg. With 3 minor violations, the order was deprived. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. II, 1997.

Gold or silver gilded cross in the form of a Maltese cross. The cruciform arms are enameled in blue and bordered in gold. Between the cross sleeves, respectively, a black enameled, golden burgundy eagle with a golden crown. Heads of eagles turned up, from bottom to bottom. Bent segment with hole for location of elongated bandage ring is located between tops of upper cruciform arm. The front side with the laid gold medallion. On the lower cross, the manufacturer's brand is W -.

Front side:

• Round gold medallion with smooth raised border.
In
• a grainy enclosed field, rough letters - FR -

Downside:

• Without a medallion. Blue enameled cruciform arms reach the middle.
• The eagles between the cruciform arms are also fully expressed and enameled.

Tape:

• Strap/shoulder strap, golden yellow, 103 mm wide.

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