History

The Order of the Griffin was founded by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV and was awarded to recognise outstanding achievements and benevolent service to the public.

Until August of 1904, the order was exclusively awarded in Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Following the signing of an agreement, the order became a common award between Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz. As such, from this point onward the Grand Dukes of both states were joint Grand Masters of the order.

The Grand Commanders and Commanders of the order were both awarded the Commander Cross. However, the Grand Commanders were also awarded The Commander Cross Breast Star.

The Commander Cross Breast Star has shorter diagonal rays compared to the Grand Cross Breast Star.

The Order became obsolete in 1918, following the end of the German Empire.