Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/709

338 receives the insignia, at his coronation, from the hands of the Bishop who performs the ceremony.

The badge, an oval gold escutcheon, contains the Vasa crest, surrounded by a red enamelled stripe with golden edges, and with the legend: 'Gustaf den Tredie instiktare MDCCLXXII,' (Gustavus III. instituted 1772), (Tab. II. No. 11). It is worn by a broad green ribbon, by the Grand Cross Commanders across the shoulder, and by the Commanders round the neck. Both are accompanied by the star No. 10.

The Knights who were nominated previous to the 14th October, 1844, wear the decoration equally round the neck but without the star, while those, elected since, suspend it at the button-hole, surmonted by the royal crown.

On festival days, the decoration is appended to a chain (Plate 93, Tab. III. No. 14), the links of which represent alternately, gold sheaves, and shields with the Swedish arms, surrounded by the attributes of commerce, the arts and agriculture, and the arms of Holstein. On such days, also, the Commanders appear in the national costume, in green velvet, and white satin breeches, and a green velvet mantle with white lining.

The nomination ceremonies are the same as those of the Order of the Sword, and so is, in substance, the oath. The fees of the Commanders are 18 rix thalers and 36 skillings, stamp duty, and 2 rix thalers, Chancery dues. The Knights pay only 6 rix thalers and 12 skillings, stamp duty while the Chancery dues are the same (2 rix thalers).

ORDER OF CHARLES XIII.

This Order was founded by the King, whose name it bears, on the 17th May, 1811, as a badge of honour for the Swedish