Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/382

 OLDENBURG (GRAND DUCHY).

ORDER OF MERIT, AND OF THE DUCAL HOUSE OF PETER FREDERICK LOUIS.

This Order (Plate 54, Nos. 1 to 6) was founded on the 27th November, 1838, by Duke Paul Frederick, in memory of his father, who, the patent says, had himself resolved upon the foundation of a similar Order, as reward to subjects or foreigners for distinguished merit in the arts and_ sciences, or in the more humble pursuits of domestic and civil hfe. The reigning Grand Duke is always Grand Master.

The Order consists of Capitulars and Honorary Members. Both divisions are equal in rank, and have four classes: Knights Grand Cross, Great Commanders, Commanders, and Knights Small Cross.

Only natives and citizens of Oldenburg can be received amongst the Capitulars. The Capitular of a lower class may, at the same time, belong to a higher class as Honorary Member. The Princes in direct male line from the Ducal House of Peter Frederick Louis are, by birth, Honorary Members of the Grand Cross. The heir presumptive to the Grand Duchy, bears the title of Grand Prior.

Proofs of valour and distinction in military service entitle to the nomination into the fourth class. The division of Capitulars consists of: