History

The Civil Merit Order of St. Louis was initially founded in the Duchy of Lucca in 1836 by Charles Louise (Charles II). His son, Charles III Duke of Parma, revived the Order at Parma, on August 11, 1849, as an award of merit.

The Parma branch of the Order was expanded to reward extraordinary merit within civil services and have five grades.

Membership to the Order was primarily restricted to noble Catholics but was open to Protestants in cases of extreme merit.

When a non-noble became the recipient of the Grand Cross or Commander grades they were bestowed with hereditary nobility. If they were the recipient of the I Class or II Class Knight grade, they were only granted with personal nobility that was withdrawn following their death.

The Grand Master of the Order, who was always the Duke of Parma, was the only member of the Order who was permitted to add brilliants to their awards.

The maximum membership numbers for each grade excluded reigning princes and foreigners.

The I Class Knight was restricted to a maximum of 60 members and features a surmounting gold-coloured crown.

The I Class Knight is also known as III Class.

See the Civil Merit Order of St. Louis in the Orders of the Duchy of Lucca for more information.