The Star is of silver, similar to the Cross, without the wreath, having rays between the angles, and in the centre, within a band inscribed HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the Imperial French eagle. The first claim to the Order must begin with the lowest degree of Knights, as no degree can be passed over. =The Republican Cross.=--The Badge of the Légion d'Honneur, given by the Republic, bears on the obverse, facing right, a laureated female head symbolic of the Republic, and surrounded by the legend REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, 1870. On the reverse in the centre are the crossed French flags, surrounded by the motto HONNEUR ET PATRIE. In place of the French Imperial crown which was employed as a suspender in the original badge or cross is an enamelled wreath, otherwise the general appearance of the decorations is the same. =Prussian Iron Cross, 1813.=--The Order of the Prussian Iron Cross was instituted by King Frederick William III on March 10th, 1813, to reward those, either military or civil, who distinguished themselves in the war then being carried on. It was divided into three classes. The Grand Cross, which was double the size of the Knight's Cross, and was worn round the neck, was given exclusively for the gaining of a decisive battle, the conquest of an important position or place, or the brave defence of a fortress. The first class also wear upon the left breast, instead of a Star, a similar Cross or Badge. In the bestowal of the Cross, neither rank nor condition was regarded. (See facing page 332.) It was worn by the military with a black ribbon with two white stripes near the edge; and by civilians with a white ribbon with black borders, and was suspended from a silver loop and ring. At the close of hostilities, the distribution of the Order ceased, but was revived on July 19th, 1870, for the war then about to commence with France. The decoration is a cast-iron Cross, in the form of a cross patée, with silver borders and mountings. There are three classes, both for military and civilians. Obverse: In the centre, within a silver milled border, three oak leaves; above, F. W. surmounted by the Prussian crown; below, 1813. The Cross awarded for the Franco-German War bears on the reverse: In the centre, also within a silver milled border, the initial W; above, is a crown; below, 1870.