Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/691

 SWEDEN AND NORWAY.

GENERAL REMARKS.

The King is the head and Grand Master of all the Swedish Orders, but has not the right to abolish any of them. As a mark of special favour, he may confer the decoration set in diamonds.

The entrance fees paid by foreigners go to the treasury of the Hospital at Stockholm.

He who wears a decoration unlawfully, is liable to a fine of 333 rixthalers and 16 skillings (about £23).

In 1783, King Gustavus HI. ordered, that a collection of the portraits of all the Knights, in copper-plate engravings, should be published, accompanied by a brief biography, written by the Court historiographer. The work had actually been begun, and a considerable number of the portraits been worked off by the celebrated J. F. Martin, when the war put an end to the undertaking.

No Swedish subject can accept a foreign Order without special permission from the King.

The decorations are not hereditary, and must be returned after the decease of the owners.