Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/297

Rh astar (No. 1), worn upon the left side of the coat; both badges show the inscription: ' Virtute et Fidelitate' (For virtue and loyalty).

The Commanders (first class) wear the decoration (No. 4) round the neck, and the silver cross (No. 3) on the left side.

The Commanders (second class) wear the same decoration, but without the cross.

The Knights suspend the cross (No. 5) at the button-hole, or on the left side of the breast. Both (Nos. 4 and 5) have, in the centre of the reverse, the letters: ' W. K.' (Kurfürst Wilhelm) beneath a royal crown.

THE MILITARY ORDER OF MERIT. This Order, which bore, until 22nd October, 1820, the title of: " Ordre pour la Vertu Militaire," was founded on the 25th February, 1769, by Landgrave Frederick II., as a reward of military distinction. In times of peace, it is reserved only for higher officers, while in times of war it can be claimed by all officers, from the rank of General down to that of Lieutenant. It has only one class. The Elector is Grand Master and sole judge of the merits of the candidates.

The badge is an octagonal gold cross, white enamelled, and covered with a crown. The four wings contain (Tab. II. No. 6) the initials of the Elector, and the word: ' Virtuti' (To virtue). In the spaces between the wings is the Hessian hon (crowned and erect). It is worn round the neck by a sky blue ribbon with silver borders.

THE ORDER OF THE IRON HELMET

Was founded by the Elector William I., on the 18th March,