ORDER OF THE BLACK EAGLE CLOTH BADGE

ORDER OF THE BLACK EAGLE CLOTH BADGE
ORDER OF THE BLACK EAGLE CLOTH BADGE
Rare embroidered version of the Prussian Order of the Black Eagle, ca. 1830. This beautiful relic, approx. 5"" square (sight), bears rays of thin silver strips which meet silver rings and a twisted silver strip at the circular center emblem. Braided silver metal and yellow cloth threads form the backing upon which the motto of the Order ('Suum Cuique'—literally 'To each his own', but idiomatically 'To each according to his merits'), is applied, again made of a very thin strip of silver. A yellow, green and red embroidered wreath appears at bottom. At the center of the badge appears a black eagle with crown which grips a wreath of laurels in its left claw and a scepter in its right. Overall dimensions 5"" x 5"". In excellent condition, set into a silver wood shadowbox frame. The Black Eagle was the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia and was awarded 407 times. The order was founded on 17 January 1701 by the future 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. Some of the recipients of this award include George IV, Nicholas II, Emperor Meiji, Otto von Bismarck, Gebhard von Blucher, Paul von Hindenburg, Helmuth von Miltke, Alfred von Schliefen, Alexander Suvorov, and many others.