Instituted May 12, 1864. The unique collar of the order, worn by the Grand Duke, large silver gilt collar, comprising sixteen large link, alternating between griffins, in high relief and open talons, large monogram FFW links and green enamelled crowns, the central crown presents a small chain below the band for grand cross suspension, the reverse of each link is plain with two claw hooks on each edge of each link, connected by three or four adjoining rings, measures 940mm in total length, weighs 365.4 grams, one tail from griffin broken resulting in loss of link connection, light enamel wear to center of each crown, a lovely collar in very fine condition.
This collar is published in Klingbeil's "Orden 1700-2000", Volume II, Page 101 (No. 1246).
Footnote: The Order of the Wendish Crown was jointly founded by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duke Frederick William of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and was conferred upon citizens who rendered meritorious civil and military service to the Mecklenburg houses. The collars were composed of silver gilt after 1916.