Order of Saint Michael (Bavaria)

The Order of Saint Michael (German: Orden zum Heiligen Michael) or Royal Merit Order of Saint Michael (German: Königlicher Verdienstorden vom heiligen Michael) was founded on September 29, 1693 [1] by Joseph Clemens of Bavaria, then Archbishop-Elector of Cologne, as a Military order. Initially, this order was only open to the Catholic nobility. Upon its institution, the order consisted of Grand Master, Grand Cross and Knight. The Grand Master was bestowed with a Breast Star. In 1808, the Commander class was added. In 1813, the order received the official title of the Knightly House Order of St. Michael.[2] On January 18, 1837, King Ludwig I made alterations to the order and the official title was changed to the Order of Merit of St. Michael.[3] The physical appearance of the decorations also changed at this time.

Order of Saint Michael Orden zum Heiligen Michael
Badge of a knight of the order
Type	Military order 1693–1803 Merit order 1808–1918
Country	Electorate of Cologne Kingdom of Bavaria
Presented by	Archbishop of Cologne King of Bavaria
Status	No longer awarded
Established	29 September 1693
Last awarded	1918
Ribbon of the order
Precedence
Next (higher)	Merit Order of the Bavarian Crown
Next (lower)	Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art

References

1. Robertsom, Megan C. "Kingdom of Bavaria: Royal Merit Order of St Michael". Medals of the World. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
2. "Knightly Order of St. Michael, Collar". Medalbook. Retrieved 2021-01-30.
3. "Knightly Order of St. Michael, Collar". Medalbook. Retrieved 2021-01-30.