Brandenburg Red Eagle Order.
Instituted on 13 July 1734, by Margrave Georg Friedrich Carl of Brandenburg and expanded to two classes on 23 August 1759 by Margrave Friedrich and the Foundation of the Grand Cross. The order was a modified version taken from the exquisite design of the "Ordre de la Sincérité" and was restricted to 30 knights along with 12 Grand Crosses concurrently. The restrictions did not apply to royalty. Interesting as once the award was presented, no other awards could be granted. These restrictions were also applied to some of the most important international orders of the time including the Knights Order of the Golden Fleece and the English Order of the Garter. However, it was less common with the orders from the smaller states. It was assumed that the Margraf intended to keep this award soley for his inner circle and tie it directly to his personality. The award was most likely no longer awarded after 1767 and definitely after 1769, the year Margraf Friedrich Christian passed away.Breast star to the Grand Cross, embroidered version circa 1759-1767.
Embroidered version features silver bullion with sequins, the medallion of the finest three-dimensional silver and silk embroidery. The rays surrounding the medallion are partially gilded and form an eight pointed star (different than the ordinary Order of the Knights breast stars). Reverse features paper cover.
This type of Brandenburger Red Eagle Order filled a gap as a precursor in the longest standing Prussian Order.
The order was continually awarded from 1734 to 1767. Its story falls into the decisive phase of the governing period of Frederick the Great, namely in the time of the Silesian and the Seven Years war.
Accordingly, the Red Eagle Order was a highly coveted award for senior officers and officials during the time of the Margraf Friedrich.
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