Grand Master's Cross
The Hochmeisterkreuz , also called Deutschherrenkreuz or Deutschmeisterkreuz, is a symbol of rank and dignity of the Teutonic Order .
The Hochmeisterkreuz is the variant of the Teutonic Order's cross reserved for the Hochmeister, a black paw cross on a silver background, on which a staff cross is placed. A bar cross is to be understood as a cross thread in which the crossing pole and beam are shown very narrow. The staff cross has golden lilies on the cross arms. King Louis IX of France allowed the golden lilies on the cross in 1250. The placing of the eagle in a golden shield on the cross was permitted by Emperor Friedrich II. (1220 to 1250). The black cross is often silvery narrow gebordet (enclosed).
Up until the 16th century, the grand masters carried the grand master's cross in their personal coat of arms. In addition, the coat of arms was divided and split, i.e. quartered. There was a black cross in silver in the quarter shield in field one and field three. Later the cross was moved to the center of the shield. The order cross was occasionally placed behind a coat of arms.
The city of Bad Mergentheim was the seat of the Teutonic Knight Order from 1527 to 1809 and featured the Hochmeister cross with an eagle above it in the city arms .