Physical Description

A Maltese Cross constructed of gold or silver gilt and enamels. The arms of the cross are in blue enamel with gold or silver gilt borders and ball finials. The 12, 3, and 9 o'clock arms of the cross bear peacock feathers, the 6 o'clock arm bears an image of a knight helmet. The quadrants between the arms bear the crowned cipher "W". The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with white Braunschweig horse on a red enameled background with a white twisted border. The reverse bears a central red enameled medallion with gilt order motto of “IMMOTA FIDES”, inside a gilt ring with raised Roman numerals. The 12 o’clock arm bearing a lion passant topped by a royal crown connecting to a suspension loop, flanked by green enameled laurel leaves. On an elongated loop for suspension. On a red ribbon with yellow stripes.

History

The Dukely Order of Henry the Lion was founded by Duke Wilhelm of Brunswick on April 25, 1834. The order was conferred upon individuals who distinguished themselves by rendering meritorious military or civil service. Civil service included outstanding work in the fields of art and science.

The conferral of the award was not dependent on an individual’s class or rank.
The grand mastery was linked to the government of the duchy, and the oldest voting member of the ducal state ministry acted as chancellor.
Decorations had to be returned upon the death of the recipient.

During the Franco-German War in 1870, crossed swords were added to all war merit awards.
In 1877, the Knight class was split into I Class Knight and II Class Knight.
In 1908, on the commemoration day of Duke Wilhelm's birthday, the order was redesigned with the addition of a I Class between the Grand Cross and the Commander Cross, as well as an Officer Cross between the Commander Cross and I Class Knight Cross.
The Dukely Order of Henry the Lion was conferred from 1834 to 1918.

I Class and II Class Commanders wear the same cross. The only difference is that I Class Commanders additionally wear the Commander Breast Star. The Commander Cross in silver gilt was added in 1912.