Physical Description

A George’s cross with Maltese cross style arms, constructed of gold and enamel. The cross arms are enamelled in red with narrow golden edges. The tips of the cross arms feature small golden ball finials. In between the arms are short golden rays. The obverse centre medallion is enamelled in black and features a golden mirrored monogram ‘C’ with a red enamelled crown above it. The medallion ring is enamelled in white and features the golden inscription ‘ECOLE MILITAIRE’ (‘military school’). The reverse is identical. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with narrow red borders.

History

The Academic Order of the Carlsschule was established by Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg in 1772. It was awarded to students from the Hohe Carlsschule, an elite military and art academy, who demonstrated exceptional academic performance and had won at least four prizes related to scientific study. Recipients of the award, regardless of class or background, were placed in the service of the duke. If a recipient wanted to pursue a career in the military, they were able to enter with a rank that was one rank higher than what they would have received otherwise.

The recipients of the order were referred to as "chevalier" and were placed before the nobility in the Hohe Carlsschule address book. Knights of the order had a separate dormitory and received better food. While at the school, recipients wore the decoration from around their neck, as well as an embroidered breast star on the right side of their tunic.

In 1773, Duke Carl expanded the order and created and a Grand Cross for nobility and students who had received at least eight prizes related to scientific study. The recipients of this award were referred to as "Grandchevalier".

The order was discontinued in 1793 following the death of Duke Carl Eugen.

The Grand Cross was awarded twice. The recipients, Graf Normann-Ehrenfels and Graf Mandelsloh, both became the State Minister in Württemberg.