- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Institution: 1701
- Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)
The Order of the Black Eagle (or Hoher Orden vom Schwarzen Adler in German) was the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia. The order was founded on 17 January 1701 by Elector Friedrich III of Brandenburg (soon after Friedrich I, King in Prussia).
In his Dutch exile after World War I, deposed Emperor Wilhelm II continued to award the order to his family (he made his second wife, Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz, a Lady in the Order of the Black Eagle.
Membership in the Order of the Black Eagle was limited to a small number of knights, and was divided into two classes: On the one hand, members of reigning houses, and on the other capitular knights (before 1847 membership was limited to nobles). Capitular knights were generally high-ranking government officials or military officers.
The Order of the Black Eagle had only one class, but could also be awarded at the king’s prerogative “with the Chain” (“mit der Kette“) or without (“ohne Kette“).
From its founding in 1701 to 1918, the Order of the Black Eagle was awarded 407 times, with 57 of these installations occurring during the reign of Friedrich I (1701–1713).
The Order of the Black Eagle Design
The badge is a gold Maltese cross, enameled in blue, with gold-crowned black eagles between the arms of the cross. The gold center medallion bears the royal monogram of Friedrich I (“FR”, for Fredericus Rex).
The badge was worn from either a broad ribbon or a collar. The ribbon was an orange moiré sash worn from the left shoulder to the right hip, with the badge resting on the hip. The sash color was chosen in honor of Louise Henriette of Nassau, daughter of the prince of Orange and first wife of the great elector.
The collar or chain (Kette) was worn around the neck and resting upon the shoulders, with the badge suspended from the front center.
The star of the Order is a silver eight-pointed star, with straight or faceted rays depending on the jeweler’s design. The center medallion displays a black eagle gripping a wreath of laurels in its left claws and a scepter in its right on a golden background, surrounded by a white enamelled ring bearing a wreath of laurels and the motto of the Order.
At certain ceremonies, the knights wore red velvet capes with blue linings. Embroidered on the left shoulder of each cape was a large star of the Order.
More Prussian Orders
Throughout Prussian history, these orders played a significant role in the social hierarchy and served as tangible expressions of royal favor and recognition. They continued to be awarded even after the dissolution of the Kingdom of Prussia, remaining as enduring symbols of valor, service, and honor in German society. Here are some more about Prussian Orders:
