Prussian Order of the Crown - 2nd Class without Swords

Prussian Order of the Crown - 2nd Class with Swords

The Order of the Crown was a Prussian order of chivalry. Instituted in 1861 as an honour equal in rank to the Order of the Red Eagle, membership could only be granted upon commissioned officers (or civilians of approximately equivalent status).

Officially, the Order of the Red Eagle and the Order of the Crown were equal. However, most officials did prefer to be appointed in the older Order of the Red Eagle. The Order of the Crown was often used as an award for someone who had to be rewarded while the Prussian government did not want to use the Order of the Red Eagle.

This beautifully recreated Order of the Crown 2nd Class without Swords comes as a gilt cross with white enamel. The obverse gilt central disc bears the crown of Prussia, surrounded by a blue enamel ring bearing the motto of the German Empire Gott Mit Uns (God With Us). The reverse gilt disc has the Prussian royal monogram, surrounded by a blue enamel ring with the date 18 October 1861.