within a red ring: ' Virtus et Honos' (Virtue and honour.) The reverse shows the effigy of the founder, with the inscription: 'Max. Jos. Rex Boyvariz' (Max Joseph, King of Bavaria.) This large Cross (Tab. IT. Nos. 13 and 14) which differs in size with the various degrees, is worn suspended by a blue watered ribbon, with narrow white borders, by the Knights at the button hole, by the Commanders round the neck, and by the Knights of the Grand Cross across the left shoulder towards the right hip. The latter wear, in addition, upon the left breast an embroidered star (Tab. IT. No. 12). No. 22 in Plate 13, Tab. ITI, represents three links of the middle part of the chain, the central link of which contains the initial of the founder. The oval intervals contain alternately the initials of the motto: 'Virtus et Honos.' Connected with the above Order is:
THE MEDAL OF CIVIL MERIT.
This medal, in gold, is bestowed on State-functionaries below the rank of Counsellor of Board or College. It gives no claim to nobility or support for children. 'To simple citizens it is presented in silver. Plate 15, Tab. V. No 32, contains the effigy of the founder with the inscription 'Max Jos. König von Baiern' (Max Joseph, King of Bavaria). The reverse shows within a laurel wreath, the words: 'Dem Verdienste um Fiirst und Vaterland' (For merit of Prince and country). It is worn at the button hole of the left side, suspended by a silk ribbon one inch wide composed of two white and three bright-blue narrow stripes. This medal supplies the place of several previous ones of a similar character, introduced by Charles Theodor (1794 and 1798), and by the Elector Max Joseph (1805) during the French war.
