The Wilhelm-Orden (or “William-Order” in English) was instituted on 18 January 1896 by the German Emperor and King of Prussia Willhelm II as a high civilian award. The order was dedicated to the memory of his grandfather Emperor William I “the Great”.
The order was very exclusive. One of the first to be decorated was Otto von Bismarck.
The insignia of the Order consists of a golden medal with the portrait of William I, surrounded by a golden wreath and suspended from a heavy golden collar. It was designed by the jewellers Emil Weigand en Otto Schultz.
The collar weights 222 grams and bears the words “WIRKE IM ANDENKEN AN KAISER WILHELM DEN GROSSEN” (“Work in the memory of Emperor William the Great”).
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:
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