It was to be awarded to anyone who had served the state well, for civil virtue, science and art.

[1] The design was a Christian cross with a bust of Albert the Bold at the centre.

[1] The medals were abolished on 2 February 1876 and the Knights Cross was split into two classes.

[1] So, at its abolition in 1918, the Order was structured thus: An award of Swords indicated a recipient's bravery in wartime.

This anomaly was solved in 1906 by allowing the addition of Swords by replacement of insignia.