Physical Description

A chain constructed of gold. There are a total of 16 links with two different variations. The first link style consists of a medallion with double crowns and the image of St. George. The second link style consists of a medallion with the monogram "EAR" for Ernst August Rex. The two link styles are connected with golden lions and small rings. The cross of the order is always hung on a middle link with the image of St. George.

History

The Order of Saint George was founded by King Ernst August I of Hanover on April 23, 1839. It originally was titled as the Order of the House of Hannover. The order was conferred in recognition of extraordinary service to the Kingdom of Hannover.

The statutes of the Order of Saint George appointed the King of Hannover as the Grand Master of the order, and there is only one class, the Knights of St. George. The order allowed for 16 members outside of the royal family, and this number could not be exceeded unless on special grounds as declared by the King. Individuals, except for the Dukes and Princes of Hannover, had to be at least 13-years-old before they could be admitted into the order. Only nobility with unblemished reputations were considered for entry into the order. In addition, individuals who had already received the Grand Cross of the Guelphic Order were eligible to receive the award.

The motto of the Order is: Nunquam retrorsum (never backward).

In the statutes of the Order of St. George, the collar is not explicitly mentioned. It is assumed that the collar existed as a token of the dignity of the Grand Master.