History

The Order was jointly founded by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duke Frederick William of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and was conferred upon citizens who rendered meritorious civil and military service to the House.

The Order was conferred upon citizens of both Mecklenburg states. The Order decorations awarded in each state featured the same form but had different obverse inscriptions and reverse monograms.

The number of individuals admitted into the Order was limited and each province was allowed to admit a controlled number of people. Mecklenburg-Schwerin was allowed to confer a much larger number of Awards.

Only members of recognized Christian churches were allowed to receive the Order.

The Awards conferred for military merit featured crossed swords through the centre of the cross.

The Grand Commander and the Commander are physically the same and the only difference between the two grades is that the Grand Commander was awarded with an associated Breast Star.

Awards from Mecklenburg-Strelitz feature the obverse inscription " AVITO VIRET HONORE" and the monogram "FW" on the reverse.