Order of the Black Eagle – breast star

The High Order of the Black Eagle is the highest Prussian Order, founded on 17 January 1701. This one was awarded by King Frederick William III. (1770-1840) to Prince Eugen of Württemberg (1788-1857): As a general of the infantry in Russian service, the Prince had participated in the liberation war against Napoleon. After the battles for Paris in March 1814, the Prussian king appointed him knight of the Order while still on the battlefield. The Knights of the Order were obliged to wear the medal, which is why the breast star was permanently attached to the jacket. The blue enamelled medal cross, on the other hand, was worn only on special occasions with sash.