Physical Description

A Maltese cross, constructed of gold and enamels. The cross is enamelled in white with golden borders, and each cross arm tip features a golden ball finial. Between each cross arm is a green enamelled laurel and oak leaf wreath with golden borders and red enamelled fruits. Each cross arm features a golden letter: ‘P’ (12 o’clock), ‘P’ (9 o’clock), ‘D’ (3 o’clock), ‘E’ (6 o’clock) (the meaning is unknown). The centre medallion is blue enamelled and features a red enamelled lion with a golden crown walking to the left. Around it is the circular inscription ‘BENE MERENTIBUS’ (‘for good service’). The golden medallion ring is smooth and narrow. The reverse is similar, except with the monograms of the four emperors: ‘H’ (12 o’clock), ‘S’ (9 o’clock), ‘C’ (3 o’clock), ‘W’ (6 o’clock). The reverse medallion features St. Philip in gold, the patron saint of the order. The medallion ring is golden, smooth, and narrow on the inside and outside, and features a pearl decoration in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a red ribbon with narrow yellow side stripes.

History

The Order of the Lion of Limburg was conferred to recognise and reward individuals, regardless of rank or nationality, for outstanding merit. The statutes defined merit as altruistic acts or achievements which benefited mankind, or an extraordinary achievement in the fields of art, science, or literature.

Members were not required to prove their noble heritage or pay a fee.

The order was composed of 10 Grand Crosses, 40 Commander Crosses, of which 15 were I Class, and an unlimited number of Knights. The order also featured a Gold and Silver Medal.

Non-Christians were not eligible to become members of the order.

The decorations were worn on different coloured bands, which depended on the nationality of the recipient.

The obverse inscription "HSCW" stands for "Henricus, Sigismundus, Carolus, Wenzeslaus".

This order was discontinued following the death of the order's founder in 1794.