Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of gold. The obverse features a crowned lion walking to the left, with the circular inscription ‘BENE MERENTIBUS’ (‘for good service’). The reverse features a wreath of laurel and oak leaves, tied at the bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘VIRTUTE ET BENEFICENTIA’ (‘for virtue and doing good’) in four lines 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.