Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/129

Rh the above Order, endowing it, from her own private property, with a revenue sufficient to allow an annual pension to twelve members, six of whom at 300 fl. (£30), and the other six at 100 fl. (£10). The reigning Queen (even as a widow) is always to be Grand Mistress of the Order, or by her choice, and by consent of the King, some Princess of the royal house. The pretension—as in the previous one—to the Order, is nobility of ancient Bavarian descent, and an age above ten years. The candidates must also show that their own private income does not exceed annually the sum of 300 f. All Christian sects are admissible. The pension ceases with marriage; but if suitably married according to their rank, they are allowed to wear the insignia in future as ' honorary ladies,' though the pension is discontinued.

The badge (Plate 14, Tab. IV. No. 23, front; and No. 24, reverse) is a Cross, worn by a bow of a white-watered ribbon with two sky-blue stripes, fastened to the left breast, and on gala days when at Court, a similar broad ribbon is thrown across the right shoulder towards the left hip. The costume is a dress of bright blue silk.

MILITARY DISTINCTION AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.

The Military Medal of Honour, was founded by the Elector Max-Joseph IV. (22nd November, 1794) in gold and in silver, to reward sub-officers and soldiers for brave conduct in war. With the silver medal the pay is increased one half, and with the golden it is doubled. It does not, however, increase with promotion, while, on the contrary, it diminishes with pension, and ceases altogether with discharge.

The medal (Plate 15, Tab. V. No. 33, obverse; and No.