Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/354

 LUXEMBURG (GRAND DUCHY.)

THE ORDER OF THE OAKEN-CROWN.

It was founded by King William II. of the Netherlands, on the 29th December, 1841, for all classes of society, for distinguished merit in the army, civil service, or the arts and sciences, and may, in some instances, be also conferred upon foreigners.

The King is Grand Master, and the dignity cannot be separated from the Grand Ducal crown.

The Order consists of four classes: Knights of the Grand Cross, Knights with the star of the Order, Commanders, and (simply) Knights.

The badge (Plate 50, No. 4) is a square silver star with a green enamelled middle which shows a golden 'W' beneath the Grand Ducal crown, with the motto in golden characters: 'Je maintiendrai' (I will maintain), upon red enamelled ground. The motto is encircled by an oaken crown, whence the name of the Order is derived.

The jewel of the Order (No. 5) forms a square cross white enamelled and set in gold, containing upon green enamelled ground in the middle, a golden ' W' beneath the Grand Ducal crown. 'The ribbon is orange yellow, watered, and with three dark green stripes.

The Knights Grand Cross wear the decoration on the left