Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/480

Rh The same Order in the form of an Eagle, and also divided into three classes, is conferred as a reward for civil merit, for distinction in the arts and sciences, in literature and more especially in the department of education, for which latter purpose certain funds are to be handed over to the Treasury to establish schools and seminaries, and appoint teachers in every province of the kingdom.

The badge of the Order for Military distinction is a gold cross, with white and black enamel. The azure blue circle round the middle of the obverse, contains the legend: 'Vom Fels zum Meer,' the motto of the Order, while in the centre is seen the royal Eagle bearing upon its breast the arms of Hohenzollern. The azure blue circle of the reverse contains: 'Der 18 Januar, 1851,' the day of the foundation; while in the white centre are seen the royal initials. The space between the arms of the cross is filled with a golden green enamelled wreath of partly (to the right side) oaken leaves, and partly (to the left side) laurel leaves. The cross is surmounted by the royal crown.

This cross is worn by the Grand Commanders round the neck, suspended by the silver chain of the Order, adorned with the arms of Hohenzollern and Nuremberg, as also with the electorate sceptre of an Arch-Chamberlain of the Empire.

The Commanders wear the same cross round the neck by a broad white and watered ribbon, with three black stripes.

The Knights wear it by the same ribbon in a smaller form and size at the button-hole, or upon the breast.

The badge of the Order for Civil Merit consists of the Royal Eagle in gold, with black enamel, and the Hohenzollern arms upon its breast. The motto of the Order is inserted within a blue circle round the head of the eagle. The distinct marks of the three classes are the same as in the former, except that