Physical Description

An eight-pointed cross constructed of gold and enamels. The first version of the cross is a blue enameled eight-pointed cross with a smooth gold border around the arms and with ball finials at each point. The quadrants between the arms bear a lion passant. The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with the image of St. George slaying the dragon, within a ridged border. The reverse centre bears a circular medallion with the entwined monogram "EAR" of Ernst August Rex. Topped with a gold crown that is rigidly connected to the cross and with a loop for suspension.

The second version is similar to the first, but the crown contains red and green enamels.

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).

There are two variations of the Knight's Cross: the first with a gold crown and the second with a crown including red and green enamels. In 1850 and 1863, the order was not awarded. After 1866, the order was only awarded in 1878, 1882, 1897, 1900, and 1903.