Physical Description

An eight-rayed star constructed of silver thread and embroidery, or silver and enamels, or silver, enamels, and diamonds. The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with the image of St. George on horseback slaying the dragon, encompassed by a border with the inscription "NUNQUAM RETRORSUM" and foliage tied with a ribbon at the bottom of the border.

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).