Physical Description

A Maltese cross, constructed of silver, gold, and enamel, with gold crossed swords through the centre. The arms are pebbled, with a raised border that includes a pearled decorative line. The centre medallion is dark blue enamelled with a gold border. It features a gold crowned Hessian lion walking to the viewer’s left. The reverse is silver and smooth with a pinback.

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 I Class Commander was awarded with a I Class Commander Breast Star. The II Class Commander was not awarded with a Breast Star.