Orders and Medals from the Lviv Historical Museum
Discover the collection of orders and medals of the Lviv Historical Museum, one of the richest in Ukraine, which counts 6500 units.
Lviv Historical Museum
Collection of orders of Lviv Historical Museum from the late 18th - early 20th centuries
The collection of orders and medals of Lviv Historical Museum is one of the richest in Ukraine. It numbers more than 6500 collection items. The oldest exhibits come from the 17th century, while the most recent arrivals are actual medals of 21th century.
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Lviv Historical Museum was established in 1893. Today the Museum houses more than 370 thousand exhibits, 10 Museum departments visited by 400 thousand people every year
Collection of Orders of Lviv Historical Museum from the late 18th - early 20th centuries
The collection of orders and medals of Lviv Historical Museum is one of the richest in Ukraine. It numbers more than 6500 collection items. The oldest exhibits come from the 17th century, while the most recent arrivals are actual medals of 21th c. The collection includes an impressive number of showpieces from all over the world. There are decorations and medals from 47 countries sheld in the museum collection! There are 90 golden and 1483 silver pieces, 4906 orders and medals decorated with enamel andprecious stones, cast in bronze, brass, tin, aluminum and other materials, preserved in the museum funds. All of these are jewelry masterpieces.
European Orders
One of the most precious orders in our collection is Royal Victorian Order established in April 21, 1896 by Queen Victoria. Royal Victorian Order became the monarch’s personal award. The central field bears a monogram VRI (Victoria Regina Imperatrix)
Royal Order of House Hohenzollern (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Prussia
Established on December 5, 1841 by Frederick Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Karl Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.
Motto of the Princely Order: «For loyalty and merits»
Order of the Black Eagle (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Founded on January 17, 1701 by Elector Friedrich III of Brandenburg on his coronation and declaration of the Kingdom of Prussia.
Motto:«To each according to his merits»
Order of Leopold (After 1872) by Manufacturer: ROTHE NEFFE WIEN JUWELIERE K. u. K. KAMMER. ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Austria
Founded on 1808 by Emperor Franz I in honor of his father, Emperor Leopold II. There is a monogram in the center:«Franz, Emperor of Austria»
Order of the Maltese Ionnites (Between 1872-1918) by Manufacturer: signature «FR». ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Austria
Order was created in 1099 in the community
of brothers of hospital of St.John in Jerusalem
Motto of the Order:Meaning «Defence of the faith and serving the poor»
Order of the Golden Fleece (Between 1872-1918.) by Manufacturer: signature «FR». ViennaLviv Historical Museum
The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy and Netherlands on the day of his marriage to Isabella of Portugal – January 10, 1429
The Order has three mottoes:
The blow falls before the flame flare up
Reward is not inferior to merit
Love and desire no other
Order of the Starry Cross (1872-1918) by Manufacturer: signature «FR». ViennaLviv Historical Museum
This female order was established by Empress of the Holy Roman Empire Eleanora in 1668. This order is being awarded till nowadays. Motto:«Salvation and Glory»
Order of Saint Elizabeth (star) (After 1872) by Manufacturer: C.F.ROTHE & NEFFE, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
The first and only Austrian female order was established by Emperor Franz Joseph I
in September 17, 1898
Order of Saint Elizabeth (medal) (After 1872) by Manufacturer: C.F.ROTHE & NEFFE, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Founded in honor of St. Elizabeth of Thuringia and in commemoration of Empress Elizabeth, the monarch’s wife, murdered in Geneva on September 10, 1898. The award bears an image of the saint
Order of Saint Elizabeth (medal) (After 1872) by Manufacturer: C.F.ROTHE & NEFFE, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
On the reverse of order has the Empress’s monogram
«E» . The order was cancelled in 1918
Order of Pope Pius IX (medal) (1847) by Manufacturer: Tanfanni Bertarelli, RomeLviv Historical Museum
South Europe
The museum also holds a great collection of orders from the Vatican, Spain and Italy, some of them founded several centuries ago by the Pope or the Kings from Spain.
Vatican
Founded by Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) on 17 June 1847 in memory of the Pian Knights Order, established in 1560 by Pius IV (1499-1565) and cancelled in 1565
Order of Pope Pius IX (star) (1847) by Manufacturer: Tanfanni Bertarelli, RomeLviv Historical Museum
The order is awarded for outstanding merits for Church and society. Motto:«Virtue and Merits»
Order of Civil Merits (1926)Lviv Historical Museum
Spain
Established in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII. Awarded for outstanding services in the fields of science, culture, art and development of the country. Motto: «For civil merits»
Order of Charles III (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
The order was established by the King of Spain Carlos III on September 19, 1771 to commemorate the birth of Carlos’s grandson Clemente, son of the future King of Spain Charles VI and his wife Maria Luisa
The order was created in honor of Immaculate
Conception of Virgin Mary. The decoration is being awarded till nowadays. Motto of the order: «Courage and merits»
Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Italy
The highest ranking honor of Italian Republic. Founded in 1951. The order is awarded for merits in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, philanthropic, social and humanitarian activities
Eastern Europe
In 1944 the award was restored as the highest military decoration of Poland. The cross beams on the reverse bear the letters S.A.R.P. Stanisław August, King of Poland. Established on 4 February 1921 by the Sejm of Poland as for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, culture, art, economics, industry and agriculture
Order of Military Valour – Virtuti Militari (obverse) (Early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Founded in May-June of 1792 by King Stanisław August Poniatowski of Poland. The order was cancelled in 1834. Restored on June 1, 1919. The awarding ceremonies were held until 1939.
Order of Rebirth of Poland (Polonia Restituta) (1st half of the 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Established on 4 February 1921 by the Sejm of Poland as for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, culture, art, economics, industry and agriculture
Order of Rebirth of Poland (Polonia Restituta) (1st half of the 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
The order in the form of a Maltese cross with a white eagle and crown and the inscription "Polonia Restituta" is the second most important award in Poland after the Order of the White Eagle
Order of the White Eagle (Late 18th - early 19th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Founded on November 1, 1705 by King Augustus II. From 1713 to 1815, an embroidered star was added to the badge, later replaced with a star made of precious metals
Order of the White Eagle (Late 18th - early 19th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
In 1831 the award was assigned to the system of Russian orders. During the period between 1921 and 1939 the order was restored as Polish Republic award
Order of the White Eagle (Late 18th - early 19th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
The second revival of the order was in 1992. The motto of the order is: FOR RELIGION, KING AND LAW - «For motherland and people»
Order of the Iron Cross (1920)Lviv Historical Museum
Ukraine
Award established in may 1920 the Council of People's Ministers of Ukrainian National Republic. The right to receive the order were soldiers of the UNR army, who took part in the winter hike in December 1919 - May 1920, against Denikin and the Soviet Bolshevik armies
Order of the Iron Cross (reverse) (1920)Lviv Historical Museum
The first order was made in Warsaw, medal ribbon - in Lviv. On the reverse of the order embossed dates of the campaign and the inscription: "For a winter campaign and battles"
Order of the Iron Cross (diploma award) (1920) by Vasyl KryzhanivskyLviv Historical Museum
Together with the order was given the diploma award
Order of the Crown of Romania (Between 1906 and 1920) by Manufacturer: JOSEF RESCH FIU BUKURESCĬ. BucharestLviv Historical Museum
Romania
Founded on March 14, 1881 by King Carol I for outstanding merits to the kingdom.
1St degree Order of the Crown of Romania is featured. Motto of the order:«By our will»
Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky (star) (2nd half of the 19th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Russia
The Order of Alexander Nevsky was created by Russian Tsar Peter I in 1724. However, the first awarding of the order was held after his death in March 1725
Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky (cross) (2nd half of the 19th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
In accordance with the statute, this order was awarded for both military and civil outstanding
merits. Motto:«For Toil and Motherland»
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First Called (Last quarter of the 19th c.) by Manufacturer: jeweller Keibel Jr., Saint PetersburgLviv Historical Museum
The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First Called is the first Russian order
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First Called (cross) (Last quarter of the 19th c.) by Manufacturer: jeweller Keibel Jr., Saint PetersburgLviv Historical Museum
The Order was only awarded for «the most outstanding merits». The first award was made in 1699
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First Called (cross) (Last quarter of the 19th c.) by Manufacturer: jeweller Keibel Jr., Saint PetersburgLviv Historical Museum
Order established
by Tsar Peter I
Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First Called (cross) (Last quarter of the 19th c.) by Manufacturer: jeweller Keibel Jr., Saint PetersburgLviv Historical Museum
Motto of the order:«For Faith and Loyalty»
Other European countries
FRANCE - Order of the 3rd Republic period (1870-1940): the reverse features crossed flags of France encircled by inscription «Honor and Motherland»
Order of the Legion of Honour (1870-1940)Lviv Historical Museum
Established in 1802 by the First Consul of French Republic Napoleon Bonaparte.
On July 15, 1804, when Napoleon became the emperor, the first awarding was held. Several types of order insignias exist.
Order of the Legion of Honour (1814-1830)Lviv Historical Museum
King Louis XVIII merely changed its appearance. The obverse bears an image of King Henry IV with an inscription "Henry IV, the King of France and Navarre"
Order of the Legion of Honour (1814-1830)Lviv Historical Museum
In the days of King Louis XVIII the eagle on the reverse was replaced with three royal lilies
Order of «Mérite Agricole» («of Agricultural Merit») (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
The award is tied to an oval wreath of olive leaves and figs. The order’s name and year of foundation are written on the reverse.
The order is still being awarded
Order of «Mérite Agricole» («of Agricultural Merit») (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Established on 7 July 1883 by Minister of Agriculture Jules Méline to reward for merits in agriculture.
The center on the obverse bears an image of Marianne’s head, the symbol of France.
Order of the Holy Sepulchre (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
According to the legend, the order was founded by Pope Alexander VI in 1496.
After the Revolution of 1830,the chapterhouse of order was preserved in the monastery near Krakow for sometime, moving to Rome later
Motto: «God wills it»
Order of the Seraphim (1875) by Manufacturer: Carl Friedrich Carlman (?-1889), court jeweler of Swedish royal orders C.F.CARLMAN KONGL/ORDENSJUWELERARE STOCKHOLMLviv Historical Museum
Sweden
According to the legend, the Order was created by King Magnus I in 1280. Revived as a reward in 1748 by King Frederick I of Sweden.
Order of the Seraphim (1875) by Manufacturer: Carl Friedrich Carlman (?-1889), court jeweler of Swedish royal orders C.F.CARLMAN KONGL/ORDENSJUWELERARE STOCKHOLMLviv Historical Museum
The order was awarded for exceptional marits to the monarch
Order of the Seraphim (1875) by Manufacturer: Carl Friedrich Carlman (?-1889), court jeweler of Swedish royal orders C.F.CARLMAN KONGL/ORDENSJUWELERARE STOCKHOLMLviv Historical Museum
Motto of the Order: IHS «Jesus – Savior of people»
Order of Saint Alexander (star) (Late 19th - early 20th c.) by Manufacturer: KRETLY, ParisLviv Historical Museum
Bulgaria
Established on December 25, 1881 by Alexander I of Battenberg, Prince of Bulgaria in honor of two Alexanders – Alexander Nevsky and Emperor Alexander II
Order of Saint Alexander (cross) (Late 19th - early 20th c) by Manufacturer: KRETLY, ParisLviv Historical Museum
Established on December 25, 1881 by Alexander I of Battenberg, Prince of Bulgaria. Motto:«God is with us»
Order of Saint Alexander (cross) (Late 19th - early 20th c) by Manufacturer: KRETLY, ParisLviv Historical Museum
Established on December 25, 1881 by Alexander I of Battenberg, Prince of Bulgaria. The award was cancelled in 1944
Order of Saint Stephen (star) (Late 19th c.) by Manufacturer: C.F. Rothe, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Hungary
Order was established by the Empress Maria Theresa of the Holy Roman Empire in 1764 in honor of the first Hungarian King, Stephen. Motto: «Public recognition of merits»
Order of Saint Hubert (star) (After 1872) by Manufacturer: C.F. Rothe, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Bavaria
The Order was established by Gerhard IV, Duke of Jülich, to commemorate his victory at Ravensberg, which took place on Saint Hubert’s day – November 3rd, 1444
Order of Saint Hubert (cross) (After 1872) by Manufacturer: C.F. Rothe, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Initially, the decoration was called the Order of the Horn. In May 1808, Maximilian-Joseph I, the King of Bavaria, established an order with a new name – the Order of Saint Hubert
Order of Saint Hubert (cross) (After 1872) by Manufacturer: C.F. Rothe, ViennaLviv Historical Museum
Motto of the order:
«Firm in Loyalty»
Orders from other countries
TURKEY-Created on December 9, 1861 by Sultan Abdulaziz Khan (1830-1876) for the purpose of awarding for merits to Ottoman Empire. In the centre of medallion an inscription in Arabic on a red enameled above the golden half-moon: Relying on the Assistance of Almighty God, Abdulaziz Khan, Sovereign of the Ottoman Empire.
Order of Osmanieh (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
On the reverse of medallion features two golden drums and twoflags, symbols of independence of the Ottoman Empire, the year of its creation (AH. 699, i.e. 1299). The order was cancelled in 1921
Order of Lion and Sun (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Persia
Established in 1808 by Persian Shah Feth-Ali. Awarded for outstanding merits to both - Shah servants and foreigners. Lviv Historical Museum preserves the 2nd degree order for the foreigners
Order of the Star of Ethiopia (Early 20th c.) by Manufacturer: B. A. Sevadjian (?). Addis AbabaLviv Historical Museum
Ethiopia
Founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1894.
It was awarded rarely and only to the highest officials of the empire and military officials.
Order of the White Elephant (Late 19th - early 20th c.)Lviv Historical Museum
Siam
The order established in 1861 by King Rama IV Mongkut.
White elephant, the symbol of Thailand, is depicted on the decoration.
Creator - LHM marketing manager Ruslan Koshiv.
Thanks for: Curator of the fund «Orders and Medals», LHM Scientific Secretary Iryna Polianska, Myroslav Poberezhny (photo), Orest Krukovskyj (photo Order of the Iron Cross)
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