- Time Period: Pre-WW1
- Institution: June 12, 1792
- Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)
The Order of the Red Eagle (or Roter Adlerorden in German) is an order of chivalry of the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to both military personnel and civilians to recognize valor in combat, excellence in military leadership, long and faithful service to the kingdom, or other achievements.
The predecessor to the Order of the Red Eagle was founded on November 17, 1705, by the Margrave Georg Wilhelm of Brandenburg-Bayreuth as the Ordre de la Sincerité. It was revived in 1712 and again in 1734 in Brandenburg-Ansbach, where it first received the name of “Order of the Brandenburg Red Eagle”. The Kingdom of Prussia absorbed both Brandenburg-Bayreuth and Brandenburg-Ansbach in January 1792, and on June 12, 1792, King Frederick William II again revived the order as a Prussian royal order.
The Order of the Red Eagle could only be awarded to commissioned officers or civilians of approximately equivalent status. However, there was a medal of the order, which could be awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men, lower ranking civil servants and other civilians.
The Order of the Red Eagle Design
The badge is a gold (gilt after 1916) Maltese Cross enameled in white, with red enameled eagles between the arms of the cross. The central disc, in gold, bears the Royal monogram surrounded by a blue enameled ring bearing the motto of the Order, Sincere et Constanter.
The badge for the 1st to 3rd classes is a gold (gilt after 1916) cross pattée, enameled in white; that for the 4th class was similar but with smooth, plain silver arms. The enlisted man’s medal was of a relatively simple, round design, topped with the Prussian crown.
After September 16, 1848, awards of all classes (except the medal) bestowed for military merit had two golden swords crossed through the central medallion.
The traditional ribbon of the order was white with two orange stripes at the edges, but combat awards were frequently conferred with a black and white ribbon similar to that of the Iron Cross.
More Prussian Orders
Throughout Prussian history, these orders played a significant role in the social hierarchy and served as tangible expressions of royal favor and recognition. They continued to be awarded even after the dissolution of the Kingdom of Prussia, remaining as enduring symbols of valor, service, and honor in German society. Here are some more about Prussian Orders:
