Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/82

40 the Order adorned with precious stones, though they are at liberty to do so with their family crests.

The grant of the Order does not entitle the wearer to any degree of nobility, or any other hereditary distinction.

THE CIVIL CROSS OF MERIT

was founded on the 16th February, 1850, as a substitution for the previous 'Civil Medal of Honour.' The Cross consists of four classes. The first is of gold with a crown above it (Plate 8, Tab. V. No. 34); the second is likewise of gold but without crown; the third is of silver with a crown; and the fourth of silver without a crown.

The Cross is worn at the button hole, or in a knot, on the left breast, suspended by a deep red ribbon.