History

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.