Civil Honour Cross (Senior Line)

GRE008 Zivil-Ehrenkreuz (ältere Linie)

Decoration was instituted by Prince Heinrich XX on 15 September 1858.
Decoration was awarded to men in court, state and municipal service who have rendered outstanding service in their profession over a long period of time through loyalty to their subjects and service, and who have also demonstrated their attachment to the Princely House.
Decoration was instituted in two classes. Prince Heinrich XXII expanded the decoration by ordinances on 29 May 1886 and 10 February 1890 by a 3rd class in 2 divisions. In 1893 the Civil Honour Cross was renamed the Cross of Merit. The 3rd class of the 2nd division was abolished in 1902 but was re-awarded on 16 December 1912 as the 4th class.