Oldenburg House Merit Order of Peter Friedrich Ludwig: I Class

Oldenburg House & Merit Order of Peter Friedrich Ludwig – I Class Honor Cross with Crown (c. 1900)

A pinnacle of "Small State" phaleristics, this I Class Honor Cross is a masterpiece of Oldenburg's reward system. Established to honor the legacy of Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig, this gilded silver cross—complete with its majestic crown suspension—represents a level of exclusivity far beyond standard Prussian awards. With only 725 ever awarded, it is a high-rarity cornerstone for any advanced Imperial German collection.

• The Award: Instituted in 1838 (and the Honor Crosses in 1863), Oldenburg's order was famously modeled after the Russian Imperial system due to the family's close dynastic ties to the Tsars.

• The Distinction: The I Class Honor Cross was the highest grade of the non-enameled awards. Receiving it "With Crown" was a specific mark of additional favor from the Grand Duke, often given for long-standing meritorious service to the Ducal House.

• The Inscription: The motto on the center medallion is the soul of the House of Oldenburg: "EIN GOTT, EIN RECHT, EINE WAHRHEIT" (One God, One Law, One Truth).

• The Cross: A cross pattée in gilt silver (silver-gilt). The arms are smooth and polished with a distinct border.

• The Suspension: Topped by a beautifully articulated Royal Crown, which serves as the mounting for the ribbon ring.

• The Obverse (Front): * Center Medallion: Features the crowned "PFL" (Peter Friedrich Ludwig) cypher.

  • The Ring: Embossed with the motto "EIN GOTT, EIN RECHT, EINE WAHRHEIT".

• The Reverse (Back): * Center: Features the Oldenburg Coat of Arms inside a draped, crowned curtain.

  • The Arms: Traditionally engraved with the four most important dates in the life of Peter Friedrich Ludwig: 17 Jan. 1755 (Birth), 6 Juli 1785 (Accession), 21 Mai 1829 (Death), and 27 Nov. 1838 (Institution of the Order).

• The Ribbon: A rich, deep blue with narrow red stripes near the edges.

The cross is in exceptional state. The gilding on the silver base remains thick and vibrant, particularly on the intricate details of the crown and the raised lettering of the motto. The reverse dates are crisp and fully legible, showing no "rubbing" from wear. The ribbon is a period original, retaining the correct "Oldenburg Blue" hue.