Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/478

Rh the State, with a revenue of 40,000 thalers. The Knights were to be both Germans and Protestants, and count eight noble ancestors of both parents.

On the 30th October, 1810, a royal edict abolished the Commandry of Brandenburg, and incorporated all the estates of the Order with the crown dominions. By way of compensation, Frederick William IIT. founded, on the 23rd May, 1812, a new Order of St. John, having, in common with its powerful predecessor, only the name and a part of the insignia. This new Order now bears the name of

THE ROYAL PRUSSIAN ORDER OF ST. JOHN.

The King is Sovereign Protector, and sole dispenser of the Order.

Prince Ferdinand was appointed by the King, first Grand Master, and after him, Prince Henry (brother to the King).

All the Knights belonging to the old, were invested with the insignia of the new Order, though new nominations also took place.

The badge of the Order is a gold octagonal white enamelled cross, but without a crown over it. The four angles are filled with the Prussian Black Eagles, surmounted by gold crowns, and the whole is worn round the neck suspended by a black ribbon, and accompanied by a white star fastened to the left side of the coat (Tab. I. Nos. 13 and 12).

The costume of the Knights consists of a red coat with golden epaulettes, and with white collar, facings, and lining, as also of a white waistcoat and trousers. The collar and facings are trimmed with golden lace. The buttons are yellow, and