Urdhëri i Shqiponjës së Zezë

The Order of the Black Eagle (Urdhëri i Shqiponjës së Zezë) was the highest honor granted in the Principality of Albania, established by Prince Wied on March 26 1914 as a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional service to the sovereign and the state. It was awarded to both Albanian nationals and foreigners who contributed to Albania.

It features a black double-headed eagle encircled by the words Besë e Bashkim (Fidelity and Union). The order was inspired by the Prussian Order of the Black Eagle.

History & Abolition
The Principality of Albania existed for only a few months, and although Wilhelm zu Wied never abdicated, there was no further talk of a state order after the First World War. The country was by then politically and socially torn apart by the war and was occupied by several powers. For this reason, this order was awarded only a few times, making it a very rare and sought-after collector's item - generally regarded as the first official award of modern Albania. The order ceased to exist on September 5, 1914.

Classes
The order consisted of several classes, each with distinct badges and insignia:
- Grand Cross
- Grand Officer
- Commander
- Officer
- Knight
- Three grades of a medal: Bronze, Silver and Gold.