What uniform is he wearing?

[Hannibal]

I just got this picture from the ebay. Can someone tell me what uniform is this man in the picture wearing? is he wearing the order of the Johanniter? and do you have to be an aristocracy in order to qualify to wear them? Thanks in advance.

Best regards

[Daniel Krause]

It is a Malteser uniform;

nearly same decorations but the catholic branch.

Best regards

[Hannibal]

Thanks

Dear Spiess

Thanks for the reply, can you tell me what are the differences between Catholic and Protestant Johanniterorden?

Best regards

[Mike Dunn]

What is a Malteser uniform. Is it a private group?? Mike

[Rick Research]

That would be the national German branch of the Order of Malta, concerned mainly with charitable hospital work.

It looks to me like he is wearing what may be the 1897 Wilhelm I Centenary Medal up high at the left shoulder.. let us know if there is any ID on the back etc when you get it.

The Protestant equivalents call themselves Johanniterorden in Germany and the Order of Saint John in England-- all are still active and descend from the still existing pre-Reformation Order of Malta closely affiliated with the Vatican, and dating back to Crusader days. Nobility was required at least to WW2. Now-- ??

[Mike Dunn]

Thanks Rick-interesting. Mike

[Hannibal]

Dear Rick

Thanks for the information however there is nothing on the back of the photo.

Best regards