Order of the Oak Crown
The Order of the Oak Crown (French: Ordre de la couronne de Chêne ) was civil and military Order of Merit founded on December 29, 1841 King William II of the Netherlands and in personal union Grand Duke of Luxembourg as Luxembourg. He can also be awarded to foreigners.
Order of classes
Originally, the Order was instituted in four classes and extended by a further class (officer ) and a Medal of Merit in three stages on 5 February 1858
- Grand Cross
- Grand Officer
- Commander
- Officer
- Knight
- Medal of Merit gold
- Silver
- Bronze
Order decoration
The religious character is a white enamelled gold Tatzenkreuz. Centered in the green enameled medallion that is surrounded by a wide golden ring that towered over by a crown initial W ( William ). On the back is seen the same medallion.
The Officer's Cross bears an additional running under the arms of the cross golden oak wreath.
The breast star of the first two classes was until 1858 a Maltese cross, on which rests the locket already described above. Enclosed by a red enameled band with the golden inscription JE MAINTIENDRAI (I'll get ), the motto of the house of Orange-Nassau and surrounded by a dense oak wreath tied down. Since 1858, the decoration of the Grand Cross of an eight-pointed star is formed chest.
The merit medal made of bronze is gilded or silver plated octagonal and in the corresponding stages. It shows the cross above the Order. On the back you can see a bottom together bound oak wreath.
Ribbon and carrying method
The Grand Cross is worn with a sash from the right shoulder to the left hip and a gilt silver breast star. Great officers and commanders carry the distinction of being neck Orders, Grand Officers in addition to a breast star. Officer, Knight and support the Medal of Merit decorate the religious character to the band on the left side of the chest, where the officer on a rosette ribbon is still attached.
The ribbon is orange -yellow with a dark green central and two side strips.
Others
The correct German name of the Order is " Order of the oaken crown ".
The Order of the Oak Crown ranks in the Order System of the Grand Duchy behind the Order of the Golden Lion of the House of Nassau in second place.
On the death of the holder or when awarded a higher class the insignia of the Order are returnable.