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For hundreds of years the Royal and princely families of Europe have conferred Orders of Knighthood and Chivalry, originally to reward loyal service to the Crown or Royal Family and to strengthen the bonds of loyalty that existed between sovereign and subject. Although many ancient Orders have ceased to be awarded over centuries, most states of Europe continue to award Orders in various classes to reward distinguished service to the state or ruling family. The Badges worn to show membership of an Order are usually of the highest quality and are exquisite `decorations' in the real sense of the word. Although most are rare and valuable, they have long been the subject of study and collecting. This book looks at the range of European Orders conferred from the earliest times up to 1945 and offers a brief introduction to a complex but fascinating subject.