Schwarzburg Duchy Honour Cross

GSS000 Fürstlich Schwarzburgisches Ehrenkreuz

Order was instituted by Prince Friedrich Günther of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt on 20 May 1853. On 9 June 1857, the Order was transferred by the two duchies of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Schwarzburg-Sondershausen.
Order was awarded for civil and military merit.
Order was awarded in three classes and a Merit Medal. The Order was expanded in 1873 to four classes. In 1866, the Merit Medal was divided into two grades: gold and silver. In 1870, crossed swords was added. In 1901, the crown was added to the I Class Honour Cross. In 1915, a golden oak leaf was added to the suspension of the Cross as well as to the Merit Medal.