Physical Description

A Maltese cross, constructed of gold, silver, and enamel, with gold crossed swords through the centre. A gold mobile crown is attached via loop and eyelet to the 12 o’clock arm. The cross arms are enamelled in carmine with white enamel edges, which in turn feature a gold inner and outer border. The centre medallion is surrounded by an eight-sided star in silver. The obverse medallion is enamelled in blue and features a crowned gold Hessian lion walking to the viewer’s left. The medallion’s ring is enamelled in carmine with gold borders and the golden inscription ‘VIRTUTE ET FIDELITATE’ (‘for virtue and loyalty’). The reverse medallion is blue enamelled with a gold border and the monogram ‘WK’ in the centre. The top of the crown features a loop for suspension, on a dark red ribbon with narrow white side stripes.

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.

63 Grand Crosses were awarded.