Militär-St.-Heinrichs-Orden grand cross around neck

[VtwinVince]

I hope they're not storing this stuff at the Gruenes Gewoelbe.

[Utgardloki]

2 hours ago, VtwinVince said:

I hope they're not storing this stuff at the Gruenes Gewoelbe.

?

 

That's an interesting text about the 50-years military jubilee of King Albert:

(From: Monarchiejubiläen im 19. Jahrhundert, by Simone Mergen)

Edited November 30, 2019 by Utgardloki

[VtwinVince]

They knew how to throw a party 'back in the day'.

[Great Dane]

If the collar was a special gift from the officers, does that mean that this is the only collar ever made for this order?

It looks very unique, including the FM batons as a suspension.

[Utgardloki]

15 hours ago, Great Dane said:

If the collar was a special gift from the officers, does that mean that this is the only collar ever made for this order?

It looks very unique, including the FM batons as a suspension.

Yes, I think so...

 

I read there was also a special grand cross for Wilhelm II, is that true?

[Utgardloki]

I'd like to share with You some things I found during research:

1) The two previously shown "grand master crosses" side by side for easier comparison:

 

2) Another picture of Friedrich August III wearing a grand masters cross

 

3) Another picture of King Albert wearing the 1893 collar

4) Another picture of what might be the "real" collar, not a model to it:

5) Text about Albert getting the collar:

 

I have still a few questions i couldn't find an answer:

1) Why are there at least two different grand master crosses? Where is the black-and-white-photograph-one today? (or was it lost/destroyed?)

2)Where is the chain/collar that King Albert received 1893 today? (or was it lost/destroyed?)

3) Did Kaiser Wilhelm II really receive a special grand cross? If yes, are there pictures of it and where is it today? (or was it lost/destroyed?)

 

I couldn't find a photograph where Wilhelm II is wearing his grand cross, if You know one feel free to share.

Edited December 2, 2019 by Utgardloki

[Utgardloki]

To get back to the initial topic:

King Ludwig III of Bavaria wearing the grandcross(?) insignia of the Bavarian Military Merit Order around the neck on this well known photograph. I kinda feel a little bit embarrassed I never actually recognized how common it was to wear grand cross badges around the neck. (But I am a young collector, so I might be forgiven)

[Utgardloki]

I tried to find a picture of Duke Carl Eduard of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha wearing Claudios ribbon bar. Unfortunately I couldn't find one. I am still confident there has to be a picture of him wearing that bar (but maybe not on in internet)...

Nevertheless I saw a grandcross-badge-around-neck-picture of him, so i thought it would be a nice addition to this thread:

Edited December 13, 2019 by Utgardloki