37 Academic Order of the "Hohe Carlsschule".
Knight's Cross. Gold and enamel, without ribbon. The arms of the cross are enameled and inlaid on the front, and on the back attached by rivets same as the medallion. Enamel chipped on 2 arms of the cross.
The Order was founded in 1772 by Duke Karl Eugen for pupil of this prestigious institute and awarded as an incentive for special achievements and could only be awarded for 4 prizes in scientific subjects at the same time.
Until 1774, only Chevaliers (noblemen) could receive the Order. In 1773, the Order was expanded to include a Grand Cross for those who received 8 prizes simultaneously. The recipients were called "Grand Chevaliers".
1781 the institute was elevated to a university, but after the death of the founder in 1794 it was dissolved by his successor.
The students of the High Charles School were subject to a very strict regulation with the admission into the institute with which the daily routine was exactly regulated. With the award of the distinction there was a certain preferential treatment.
The Grand Cross was awarded only 2 times, the Knight's Cross 41 times.
The awards had to be returned when leaving the institute.
The extraordinary rarity is proofed by the fact that apart from the badge offered here only 2 others are known, one of them in the collection of the Württemberg State Museum.