Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/169

 BRUNSWICK.

THE ORDER OF HENRY THE LION.

Was founded by the present reigning Duke William on the 25th April, 1834. The object is given in the introductory remark of the patent, 'to reward those who have distinguished themselves in our service, military or civil, in war, or the arts and sciences.' No regard is, therefore, had in the distribution, to birth, rank, or religion, except in the higher classes, when a previous possession of a Knightly cross is required.

The Order consists of four classes, Knights of the Grand Cross, Commanders first and second classes, and Knights. The reigning Dukes of Brunswick are Grand Masters.

The badge consists of a golden octagonal Cross, enamelled bright blue, with gold balls at the points and with a red middle, bearing on the obverse the helmet of the Brunswick Arms so as to allow it to rest upon the lower wing of the Cross, while the crowned pillar with the galloping horse, together with the two sickles, are placed in the centre; the feathers of the peacock are represented upon the right and left wings, and its tail, together with the star, upon the upper wing of the Cross. Above the Cross is a gold lion passant between two laurel branches covered with the Brunswick crown, while between the wings of the Cross is a gold W also covered with the crown. The reverse has in the red centre, the motto of the Order in gold