Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/83

 BADEN (GRAND-DUCHY).

The Family Order of Loyalty—This Order, the highest in the Grand Duchy, was founded by Margrave Charles William of Baden, Durlach and Hochberg, on the 17th June, 1715 —the day on which he laid the foundation stone of his castle at Karlsruhe, and which is still the annual meeting day of the Chapter. The Order was renewed on the 8th May, 1803, by the Elector, afterwards Grand Duke Charles Frederick, Margrave of Baden, on the occasion of the electoral dignity being transferred to the reigning house of Baden. It has since been divided into two classes: Knights of the Grand Cross and Commanders. But by the new statutes of the 17th June, 1840, only the first class was retained, numbering in it, no one but reigning Princes, Princes of blood, or such eminent men in the Grand Duchy who bear the title 'Excellency,' or are already in possession of the Order of the Ziahring Lion, or have peculiarly distinguished themselves by extraordinary acts of loyalty or valour. The class of Commanders has ceased to exist ever since 1814.

The badge (Plate 9. Tab. I. Nos. 1 and 2) is an octagonal Cross with the ducal crown above it, enamelled red, and two C's in monogram connecting each of the four corners. The same initial is seen on the white centre, where it is represented leaning on green rocks, surrounded by the motto of the Order: ' Fidelitas' (Loyalty). On the reverse of the Cross are