Order of the White Falcon, Type II, Military Division, Commander
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.SXW.0102.203.01.001
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A silver gilt Maltese cross with green enameled arms, and red enameled parallelograms and crossed swords between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a large leftward facing white enameled falcon superimposed in the centre; the reverse with a central gilt applique with bright blue enamels, inscribed “Viginando Ascendimus”, with white enameled arms and green enameled parallelograms with white enameled tips; suspended from a swivel crown suspension, with a horizontally pierced ball and loop, and with its period original ribbon; measuring 49.71 mm x 84.35 mm; weighing 43.6 grams; superb quality manufacture with the enamels untouched, without cracks, chips, or flakes; a worn cross and in overall extremely fine condition.
A Maltese cross, constructed of gold and enamel. The obverse cross is enamelled in green with a golden edge. A white enamelled left-facing falcon with golden edges and a black enamelled eye is placed on the cross. Between cross and falcon are two crossed golden swords. The reverse cross is enamelled in white. On it is an oval dark blue enamelled medallion with the golden inscription ‘VIGILANDO ASCENDIMUS’ (‘through vigilance we ascend’). The medallion is surrounded by a golden laurel wreath with a golden ducal crown at the top. At the top of the cross is a mobile golden crown attached to the cross via an agraffe situated between the tips of the 12 o’clock arm. On a loop for suspension, on a red ribbon.
The Order of the White Falcon was originally founded by Duke Ernst August to honour Emperor Charles VI, but the order quickly fell into disuse.
The order was renewed on October 18, 1815 by Grand Duke Carl Ernst, and it was awarded to Saxon citizens in recognition of meritorious civil and military service, especially service that benefited the ducal house.
While it was primarily a house order, it was also conferrable to foreign high ranking heads of state.
The Type II order awards were conferred within the Civil Division and the Military Division.
The Military Division awards conferred from 1815 to 1870 feature a trophy of arms design on the reverse, while the Military Division awards conferred from 1870 to 1918 feature crossed swords through the centre of the cross and a wreath on the reverse.
The Civil Division awards conferred from 1815 to 1918 feature a wreath on the reverse and no crossed swords.
In 1892 a version was created to recognise general merit that was rendered in the name of the grand ducal house. The awards for general merit did not feature a red and green enamelled square between the cross arms.
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