Order of the Wendish Crown, Civil Division, Grand Cross (with silver gilt crown)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.MSW.0101.102.01.001
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A large Maltese cross constructed of silver gilt, with white enameled arms, and lions between each of the arms of the cross; the the obverse with a central medallion of blue enamels, with a raised silver gilt Wendish crown, surrounded by a ring of red enamels, inscribed “Per Aspera Ad Astra” (Through Hardships to the Stars) in silver gilt capital letters; the reverse with a central medallion of blue enamels, inscribed in silver gilt with the royal monogram; suspended from arabesques in the shape of an ambigram of the royal monogram, and suspended from a hollow swivel silver gilt crown; with a correct replacement sash ribbon; the enamels extremely well preserved; in overall better than extremely fine condition.
The Order of the Wendish Crown was jointly founded by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duke Frederick William of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and was conferred upon citizens who rendered meritorious civil and military service to the Mecklenburg houses.
The order was conferred upon citizens of both Mecklenburg states. The order decorations awarded in each state featured the same form, but had different obverse inscriptions and reverse monograms.
The number of individuals admitted into the order was limited and each province was allowed to admit a set number of people. Mecklenburg-Schwerin was allowed to confer a much larger number of awards.
Only members of recognised Christian churches were allowed to receive the order.
The awards conferred for military merit featured crossed swords through the centre of the cross.
The Grand Cross was only awarded to members of the aristocracy, or to individuals with the title of excellency.
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