Order of the Crown (Prussia)
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The Order of the Crown (German: Kronenorden) was Prussia's lowest ranking order of chivalry. Instituted in 1861 as an award junior to the Order of the Red Eagle, it could only be awarded to commissioned officers (or civilians of approximately equivalent status), but there was a medal associated with the order which could be earned by non-commissioned officers and enlisted men.
The Order had six classes:
- Grand Cross - wore the Grand Cross badge on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest;
- 1st Class - wore the badge on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest;
- 2nd Class - wore the badge on a necklet, plus the star on the left chest;
- 3rd Class - wore the badge on a ribbon on the left chest;
- 4th Class - wore the badge on a ribbon on the left chest;
- Medal - wore the medal on a ribbon on the left chest.
[edit] Insignia
The badge of the Order for the 1st to 4th classes was a gilt cross, similar in shape to the Iron Cross but with white enamel (except for the 4th Class, which was plain). The obverse gilt central disc bore the crown of Prussia, surrounded by a blue enamel ring bearing the motto of the German Empire Gott Mit Uns (God With Us); the reverse gilt disc has the royal monogram, surrounded by a blue enamel ring with the date 18 October 1861. The badge for the Grand Cross was of a different, much more elaborate design.
The star of the Order was (for Grand Cross) a gilt eight-pointed star, (for 1st Class) a silver eight-pointed star, or (for 2nd Class) a silver four-pointed star, all with straight rays. The gilt central disc again bore the crown of Prussia, surrounded by a blue enamel ring bearing the motto Gott Mit Uns.
The ribbon of the Order was blue.
The order could be awarded in dozens of variations. For example with superimposed red cross, with swords and with oak leaves.
