The order was bestowed for the first and only time on 2 December 1616, at the great celebrations that took place in Kolding, on the occasion of the enfeoffment of Slesvig to the King's nephew, Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp.

Although this was the first time the order came into use, it is assumed that it was created to celebrate the happy outcome of the Kalmar War.

The twelve men knighted were all noblemen who had distinguished themselves during the war.

[1][2] The recipients dignities are those held during the Kalmar war, and at the time of the knighting.

[2] It bears the year 1617, the centenary of Martin Luther's 95 theses, and symbolizes the struggle for protestantism.