Golden Fleece

An Order of Knighthood instituted on the 10th of January, 1429, by Philip, Duke of Burgundy. The Collar is composed of double steels, interwoven with flint-stones, emitting sparks of fire, at the end whereof hangs on the breast a Golden Fleece. The fusils are joined two and two together, as if they were double BB’s (the cyphers of Burgundy). The flint-stones are the ancient arms of the Sovereigns of Burgundy, with the motto “ Ante fer it quam flamm a micet.” (See Fig. 342.) The motto of the Order is “ Pretium non vile laborum.” There are four great officers, viz. the Chancellor, Treasurer, Register, and a King of Arms, called Toison d’Or. The Badge consists of a Golden Fleece, suspended from a flint-stone, which is surrounded with flames of gold.