Physical Description

An eight-sided star, constructed of silver thread embroidery with polished metal rays made of silver. The star’s rays are made of silver sequin and bordered by purl wire. The superimposed Maltese cross features a border of sequins. The medallion is made of blue rep with a crowned Hessian lion walking to the viewer’s left in gold thread, surrounded by a gold border. The reverse is reinforced with cardboard.

History

The Wilhelm Order was instituted by Elector Friedrich Wilhelm I and was conferred in recognition of civil and military merit. Awards conferred for military merit featured crossed swords.

The order assimilated the three lower grades of the House Order of the Golden Lion and also included a Grand Cross and an Inhaberkreuz.

The House Order of the Golden Lion and the Wilhelm Order feature a very similar obverse and reverse design. The main difference between them is that the lion featured on the obverse of the House Order of the Golden Lion has the back paw held higher than the front paw, while the lion featured on the obverse of the Wilhelm Order has both paws held at the same height.

The Grand Cross was conferred upon individuals with the rank of at least Lieutenant General.