Physical Description

A George’s cross with slightly indented arms, constructed of gold and enamel. On top of it is a mobile crown in gold and red enamel. The cross arms are enamelled in white with narrow golden edges, and they feature the inscription ‘VIN’ (12 o’clock) ‘CLUM’ (3 o’clock) ‘AMICI’ (6 o’clock) ‘TIAE’ (9 o’clock) (‘bond of friendship’) in golden letters. Between the cross arms are a lion on two occasions and a tower on the other two occasions. The obverse centre medallion is enamelled in red and features the golden monogram ‘CA’. The medallion ring is golden and smooth. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion is enamelled in blue and features the monogram ‘FW’. On a loop for suspension, on a blue ribbon.

History

The Order ‘de parfaite amitié’ was likely established by Prince Alexander Ferdinand of Thurn and Taxis and it was likely renewed by his son, Prince Carl Anselm of Thurn and Taxis. Following the mediatisation of the principalities of the Confederation of the Rhine, the order was strictly conferred upon the members of the princely family. At the age of 18, each member of the family was awarded the decoration.

The decoration is in the form of a white enamelled Maltese cross that features alternating lions and castle turrets between the cross arms. The cross is surmounted by a gold and red enamelled crown. The obverse of the cross features the initials “CW” on the centre medallion. The version of the cross that was awarded from 1806 to 1927 features the initials “FW” on the reverse. The version that was introduced in 1928 features an “A” (for Albert) on the reverse.

Men wore the decoration around their neck on a sky-blue ribbon. Women wore the decoration on a bow ribbon.