Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silver, silver gilt, or white metal gilt. The obverse bears the crowned cipher "W" encompassed by an open ended oak leaf wreath. The reverse bears the inscription "IMMOTA FIDES" with a six pointed star above and two oak sprigs below. On a 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.

The I Class Honour Medal was awarded from 1903 to 1918. A total of 1,804 I Class Honour Medals were awarded.